Fannie Farmer's Baked Mac and Cheese

By bunny_cupcake

This easy family favorite is an excellent comfort food, rich and cheesy and topped with buttery, crispy breadcrumbs. Excellent for potluck dinners, a side dish, or even a main meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked pasta(bite sized pastas are best- elbow macaroni, rotini, shells, ziti)
• 1/2 cup + 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 cups cheese(cheddar is the most classic, but feel free to experiment)
• 1/2 cup italian breadcrumbs

Preparation

Step 1

In large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook about 1 minute to make a roux. Whisk in milk, salt, and pepper and cook over medium heat until mixture starts to thicken. Whisk in cheese until cheese is thoroughly melted and blended. Remove from heat and toss with pasta.

Heat oven to 400 f. Spray a 13x9 pan with nonstick spray. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add breadcrumbs and blend with a fork. Spread pasta and cheese mixture into pan, top with buttered breadcrumbs. Bake 15-25 minutes and serve.