Friday, December 11, 2009

Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This is the quintessential rich, gooey, ultra-cheesy macaroni and cheese--but then what else would you expect from Fannie Farmer. It's so good you'll be tempted to make it over and over, so be forewarned.

I made it with all milk and no cream, and I used a combination of cheddar, smoked cheddar, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses. Wow! The only thing I'll change next time I make it is to leave off the bread crumbs on top. I know people love the crunchy topping, but I just prefer the crispy cheese top.

Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese (from Recipezaar)

1 (8 ounce) package macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt

fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, good quality
1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.

In a large saucepan melt butter.


Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.


Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.


Turn off flame.


Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.



  1. YUM! That sounds delicious. My boys wouldn't eat it though since it didn't come from a box. They don't have any taste whatsoever :).

  2. You can never go wrong with Mac 'n Cheese but this recipe takes it up a notch. Great job!!

  3. Wow that looks good! It certainly sounds rich enough with all milk and no cream.

  4. oooooooooooh sounds (and looks!) amazing :)

  5. Pure comfort food, Michele! Please pass me a big plate. :)

  6. I've been dying to make mac and cheese for ages. Homemade is so good.

  7. My mother bought me the Fanny Farmer cookbook when I was in junior high (whispers "40+ years ago", but shhhhh). Anyway, I remember making this then, and I was so proud of my ability to follow a recipe. Those were the days when everything, whether it be pasta, veggies, or whatever, was cooked to moosh. Even my disgusting little brothers ate it up, lol.

  8. Oh yeah, about this dish! Sorry, lol, I forgot to say thanks for posting this. It's a great reminder of one my favorite comfort food!