Heat pot of salted water to boil
While you wait for water to boil, shred two cups of cheese (or more is okay, too!)
Once water is boiling, cook your macaroni according to package directions. (Mine was only 3-4 minutes!)
Remember to reserve at least 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain your noodles
Grease a casserole dish if you are baking your mac n cheese and turn on your oven to broil
Once your pasta is cooked and drained, return macaroni to the pot and 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 2 tablespoons butter and stir
Next add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup pasta water
Stir well and add cheese, a little at a time while continuing to mix the mac n cheese until it is fully melted
You can mix your extra add ins here OR you can add them as a topping to the casserole dish/your bowl
Once everything is incorporated, transfer the mac n cheese to your greased casserole dish and top with Panko and any other toppings you might have chosen
Put your mac n cheese into the oven on broil until your Panko is golden brown, just a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn't burn!