Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne
• 4 ounces crustless country bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked al dents and drained

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Butter large rectangular baking dish.

3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 TBS butter.

4. Add flour; cook, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.

5. Whisk in milk; cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes.

6. Whisk in tomato paste.

7. Add 1.5 cups of each cheese; stir until melted.

8. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne.

9. Tear bread into crumbs.

10. In small bowl, stir together bread crumbs, 2 TBS melted butter and salt.

11. In a large bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce.

12. Pour into prepared baking dish.

13. Top with remaining cheeses and buttered bread crumbs.

14. Bake until cheeses are golden and bubbly, about 40 minutes.

15. If top becoomes too dark, cover with foil.

16. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.