Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni Cheese

Discover the timeless comfort of *Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese*, a recipe that has stood the test of time for good reason! This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, seasoned with a pinch of black pepper and optional ground mustard for added depth. A golden, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the velvety pasta beneath. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake, this hearty casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish for gatherings. Whether you're craving nostalgic comfort food or introducing a new generation to this classic, this baked macaroni and cheese promises to deliver creamy, cheesy perfection every time. Ideal for lovers of traditional baked pasta dishes, this recipe is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard (optional)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to combine, and continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and optional ground mustard. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 10

Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your classic comfort dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1391.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3189.0

Total Fat 174.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 104.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 513.8mg	0%
Sodium 4489.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 284.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.4g	0%
Total Sugars 47.4g
Protein 124.6g	0%

Vitamin D 370.1IU	0%
Calcium 2571.1mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 1511.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 35.5%