Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the grated Beecher’s Flagship Cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne (optional).
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Optional: Bake: If you prefer baked mac and cheese, transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.