Best in the Universe

Okay, I am going to let out a little secret but you have to promise not to tell. Okay? (whispered)This is the best macaroni and cheese in the universe. It is the only macaroni and cheese I will eat. It is so good you can't call it Mac n Cheese, because it is too dignified for a nickname.
Here it is, guard it with your life!

The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever
8 TB butter plus more for casserole dish
6 slices of bread- I like using sourdough
5.5 cups of milk (I usually use like 4 cups if I am low on milk)
1/2 c All Purpose Flour
2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
6 c Cheese (I use a combination of what I have on hand, sharp cheddar, parmesan, colby, jack)
1 LB Elbow Macaroni (or Penne as pictured)

Preheat over 375 degrees. Butter a 3 quart casserole dish or two 1.5 quart dishes. Tear bread into bit size pieces. Melt 2 TB butter, pour over bread crumbs and stir until absorbed.
Warm the milk in microwave. Melt remaining butter in large pot on low-med heat, when it bubbles add flour slowly. Whisk for one minute.
Then while whisking, add hot milk a little at a time. Continue whisking and cooking 8-12 minutes until mix thickens. Remove from heat and add seasonings and cheese.
In the meantime, boil water. Cook noodles until almost done. Drain well and stir into cheese sauce.
Pour cheesy noodles into casserole(s). Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese (optional). Bake until just golden (20-30 minutes). Serves 12 (or maybe less when you taste how delicious it is).

If you like it, or have a unique ingredient you add to your macaroni and cheese, leave your comments.