Copycat Fannie Farmer Mac and Cheese: The Best Ever!

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Fannie Farmer Mac and Cheese

Making mac and cheese is a well-loved, favorite meal, however, this new twist on the classic recipe will have everyone asking what your secret is. Making this recipe for our copycat version of the improved recipe for Fannie Farmer Mac and Cheese will astound you at the simplicity to prepare, and just how delicious it tastes. 

Fannie Farmer mac and cheese towel in the background

Fannie Farmer’s Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Fannie Farmer’s macaroni and cheese is a recipe for basic macaroni and cheese that is topped with breadcrumbs before baking. It is a classic recipe that has been handed down through the ages. We have adapted the classic recipe to make the beloved dish in an even easier and tastier way that everyone will enjoy. Plus, there is no worrying about getting the dish just right, with our super easy and delicious method. 

About Fannie Farmer’s Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese 

Fannie Farmer was known as an American culinary expert. Her original recipe for Fannie Farmer’s macaroni and cheese was first published in a cookbook put out under her namesake for the Boston cooking school. This specific recipe first appeared in 1946 and has become a well-loved recipe for the classic dish. The original recipe included 8 oz macaroni noodles, 4 Tbsp butter, 4 Tbsp flour, 1 cup milk, 1 cup cream, ½ tsp salt, pepper to taste, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup breadcrumbs. Today, we are excited to share with you a new twist on this classic dish that we believe tastes even better. 

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that most everyone loves, especially kids. But what happens when you no longer enjoy the taste of the boxed mac and cheese with the powdered cheese add-in? We have you covered, this recipe is perfect for all ages, and is likely to be your new favorite. When I first made this adapted recipe, my husband got all excited about it, because it tasted so very delicious. 

Summary

Our copycat Fannie Farmer’s mac and cheese is a classic macaroni and cheese dish, that you will love making and serving for any occasion. This is based on the classic recipe of using elbow macaroni noodles, butter, milk, or cream, with your desired salt and pepper. We have simply switched out the shredded cheese, which can sometimes cause a grainy texture, for canned cheese. 

Our favorite canned cheddar cheese to use when making this dish can be found at Sam’s Club, in a 106 oz can of cheddar cheese sauce. We love to pair this cheese with American and swiss cheese singles because they are so delicious and melty. Combining these cheeses together gives you the perfect melted cheese to make some amazing Mac and Cheese. 

Fannie Farmer mac and cheese really close

How to Make Fannie Farmer’s Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Let’s take a look at the simple process used to make this ultimate copycat recipe for Fannie Farmer’s classic baked macaroni and cheese. You will need to be sure you have the following ingredients on hand. Then follow the steps to make it. 

Whatcha Need:

Water
Salt
Olive oil
Macaroni noodles
Butter
Milk
Cheddar cheese sauce
American cheese singles
Swiss cheese singles
Eggs (optional, but recommended)
Pepper

Whatcha Do:

You are going to begin by boiling your noodles until they are fully cooked, then you will add in your butter, milk, cheese, and eggs. Stir well, over medium-low heat until fully warmed through. You will want to be sure that your butter is completely melted, and eggs reached at least 165°F. Remove from the burner and pour into a baking casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs and cheese if desired. Bake until the edges begin to run golden. Remove, serve and enjoy! 

Fannie Farmer’s Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe

Preparation

Begin preparing to make this delicious recipe by making sure you have all of the needed ingredients, preheating your oven, and preparing any of the ingredients that were called for. 

Details

Number Of Servings: 6 people
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 15 minutes
Personal Notes: Baking is optional

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 ½ cups cheddar cheese sauce (large 106 oz can from Sam’s club works great, then freeze the rest)
1 ¾ cup milk
4 Tbsp butter
3 large eggs
½ tsp salt
Drizzle olive oil
2 American cheese singles
2 Swiss cheese singles
Pepper, to taste

Directions

Step by Step Method

Step 1: Ingredients

Gather all of your needed ingredients so that you are ready to go. 

Step 2: Prepare to Boil the Pasta

Start off by filling your pan ½ to ¾ of the way with water. Add a dash of salt and a drizzle of oil to the water. Bring it to a boil. 

Step 3: Boil

Once your water is boiling, add your macaroni noodles. Boil until your noodles are completely cooked. Remove from the burner and drain your liquid. 

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Pour your noodles back into your saucepan and add milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. Stir to combine. Cook over medium-low heat until everything is melted and combined. Remove from the burner. If you would like baked macaroni and cheese, follow the next step. If not, you may serve and enjoy your dish now. 

Step 5: How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Grease a baking dish and then pour your prepared macaroni and cheese into the pan. Sprinkle with shredded cheese or breadcrumbs if desired. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges become golden. Serve and enjoy! 

Fannie Farmer Mac and Cheese

Notes

When you choose to make this recipe using the large can of cheddar cheese, any cheese that is left over after you have prepared your mac and cheese may be frozen in sealable plastic bags. These bags will work great to pull out and make this recipe again within three months’ time. 

If you desire to bake this dish in the oven, you will want to pour your prepared macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish. Then top it with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup buttered breadcrumbs, before you place it into the oven to bake. Bake uncovered until the edges begin to turn a golden brown. Below are some more tips and recipe variations on different ways you can prepare this recipe. 

Tips & Variations

Tips. The goal is for this recipe to come out a little bit on the runny side. If your macaroni and cheese does not have extra cheese, you will want to add more before baking it. 

Stovetop. Making this recipe on the stovetop is quick and easy. If you wish to enjoy it after it has fully cooked on the stovetop, and skip the baking step, then by all means, enjoy it earlier! 

Baking. If you enjoy baked macaroni after the above recipe has been fully cooked on the stovetop, you can save it for later, or immediately transfer it to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until the edges of the pan begin to turn golden. This will give to the most delicious tasting macaroni and cheese. 

Crockpot. This recipe is also perfect to prepare and then transfer to a crockpot to enjoy later, or at potlucks. Try pouring it into your crockpot, and topping it with cheese, then depending on if you wish to enjoy it soon, turn your temperature to high, or low if you wish to enjoy it later. 

Nutritional Info

We estimate that this recipe will serve six people. Given this, we estimate the nutritional facts based on 1/6th of the recipe. Please note that the nutritional facts will change as different brands of ingredients are used. Please be sure to check your ingredient labels if specific nutritional content is of importance to you. 

We estimate that this recipe contains 448.7 calories per serving. We also estimate that this recipe contains a total of 21.9g total fat, 134.3mg cholesterol, 1126mg sodium, 42.4g carbohydrates, and 16.4g protein. 

Fannie Farmer mac and cheese close up top view

Baked Macaroni with Cheese

Making your own homemade baked macaroni with cheese is easier than you might think, and is great on your budget. Simply boil your noodles, add in your ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and bake until golden. This recipe is great for any occasion! 

Miss Fannie Farmer’s Mac n’ Cheese

Fannie Farmer’s mac and cheese is a classic take on the well-loved dish. Our copycat recipe seeks to improve upon the recipe and make it even easier to prepare and better to enjoy. Our dish is so warm and delicious that it makes the ultimate comfort food. 

Fannie Farmer Macaroni and Cheese

Making your own copycat Fannie Farmer Mac and Cheese from scratch is very simple and makes an amazingly delicious meal for any occasion. This is a dish that all your picky eaters will love and want more of. Give it a try today and let us know what you think about it! 

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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