Fannie Farmer's Ultimate Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Indulge in the comfort of Fannie Farmer's Ultimate Baked Macaroni & Cheese – an exquisite rendition of a beloved classic. Dating back to the 1946 edition of 'Fannie Farmer's Boston Cooking School Cookbook', this recipe is a testament to traditional home cooking. Delight in each creamy, cheesy bite where high-quality ingredients shine through. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this baked macaroni and cheese is rich, flavorful, and downright unforgettable. Remember, using premium cheese elevates the flavor profile dramatically, giving you a dish that is anything but bland.
4
Servings
525
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni
8 ounces (Dry, uncooked)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Unsalted, for cooking and topping)
Flour
4 tablespoons (All-purpose)
Milk
1 cup (Whole milk recommended)
Cream
1 cup (Heavy cream for richness)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Black Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (Shredded, high-quality)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Buttered for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, and then drain. Set aside.
3
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour along with the salt and freshly ground black pepper until you achieve a smooth paste.
4
Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring as you bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, continue boiling for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, maintaining a stir to ensure it doesn't stick.
6
Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth, and then allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Turn off the flame and gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the luscious cheese sauce.
8
Transfer the macaroni mixture into a well-buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Top with buttered breadcrumbs to create a delightful crunch.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
11
For leftovers, let the baked macaroni & cheese cool to room temperature before storing in zip-lock bags. To reheat, allow it to reach room temperature before baking in a buttered dish for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
40g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fannie Farmer's Ultimate Baked Macaroni & Cheese?
It is an exquisite rendition of a beloved classic comfort food, dating back to the 1946 edition of Fannie Farmer's Boston Cooking School Cookbook.
What makes this macaroni and cheese recipe special?
This recipe uses premium ingredients like heavy cream and high-quality cheddar cheese to create a rich, flavorful, and unforgettable dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How should the macaroni be prepared before baking?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it is al dente, and then drain it.
How is the cheese sauce base created?
Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour, salt, and black pepper to form a smooth paste.
What liquids are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce requires one cup of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream for added richness.
How long should the milk and cream mixture boil?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, continue boiling it for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
What is the simmer time for the sauce before adding cheese?
The sauce should simmer for 10 minutes, maintaining a stir to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
High-quality shredded cheddar cheese is recommended to dramatically elevate the flavor profile.
How much cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long should the sauce simmer after the cheese is added?
After the cheese is melted and smooth, allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
How do you combine the macaroni and the sauce?
Turn off the flame and gently fold the cooked macaroni into the sauce until every piece is well-coated.
What type of topping is used for this baked dish?
The dish is topped with buttered breadcrumbs to create a delightful crunch.
How long should the dish be baked?
Bake the macaroni and cheese for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 525 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 30 grams of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 22.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should leftovers be stored?
Let the dish cool to room temperature and then store it in zip-lock bags.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Allow leftovers to reach room temperature, then bake in a buttered dish for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
While you can use other milk, whole milk is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
What prevents lumps in the cheese sauce?
Gradually adding the milk and cream while whisking continuously helps prevent lumps.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of butter, and unsalted is typically used for cooking and topping.
Is the breadcrumb topping mandatory?
While optional, the buttered breadcrumbs provide a signature crunch that complements the creamy macaroni.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What size macaroni is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of dry, uncooked macaroni.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
What type of flour is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Does the recipe include black pepper?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is added to the sauce to taste.