Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs, buttered

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish or large cast iron skillet.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper and whisk until well blended. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add milk and cream while whisking continuously until very smooth. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, continuing to stir.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes.
6. Gradually add Cheddar cheese, then simmer for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
7. Turn off heat. Add macaroni and gently stir to coat with the cheese sauce. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the top with fine bread crumbs.
9. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Attribution

Photo credit: (c) Can Stock Photo / fahrwasser