1½ cups elbow macaroni, cooked but still firm (measure 1½ cups dry macaroni noodles)
1 tablespoon diced jalapeño pepper, seeded and ribs removed (seeds and ribs can be left in for more heat)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup shredded pepper jack or colby jack cheese with peppers
1 cup shredded smoked mozzarella cheese
2 cups 2% milk
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
1 cup of fresh bread crumbs (this could be some day-old french bread or other similar bread--just don't use your squishy sandwich bread) *See note
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon thyme leaves (optional)