Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

Details

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted