Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients (13)

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