INGREDIENTS
•
Kosher salt, to taste
•
8 oz. hollow pasta, preferably elbow macaroni or shells
•
3 slices crustless white bread
•
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
•
1⁄2 tsp. paprika
•
3 sprigs fresh thyme
•
2 shallots, minced
•
1 bay leaf
•
1⁄4 cup flour
•
1⁄8 tsp. cayenne pepper
•
3 cups milk
•
10 oz. grated sharp white cheddar (about 4 cups)
•
10 oz. grated Gruyère (about 4 cups)
•
6 oz. Velveeta, cut into 1⁄2" cubes (about 1 1⁄4 cups)
•
1 oz. blue cheese, crumbled (about 1⁄4 cup)
•
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste