Fannie Farmers Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

By Jen_Green

I have tried countless recipes for baked mac and cheese and finally discovered this one! At last the search is over. This recipe is perfect the way it is. If you do not care for a bread crumb topping, simply omit and add a little extra grated cheese to the top and you will get the same browning effect.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounce) macaroni, 3 cups uncooked
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground black pepper , to taste
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs , buttered

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F.

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

In a large saucepan melt butter.

Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.

Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.

Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).

Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.

Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Turn off flame.

Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.

Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

You can also freeze this recipe in zip-lock bags for later use–once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer–I generally pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling.