This macaroni and cheese recipe is steeped in rich American culinary history. It was introduced to the American colonies by James Hemings, an accomplished chef and enslaved man owned by Thomas Jefferson.

In 1784, Hemings accompanied Jefferson on his tenure in Paris, where he trained under prestigious French chefs of the era, immersing himself in French cooking. Hemings’ unique culinary journey let him infuse French sophistication into American cuisine upon his return.

Although Hemings introduced meringues and crème brulée to Americans, macaroni and cheese is his most celebrated contribution.

As you prepare this dish, reflect on Hemings’ legacy and his instrumental role in shaping America’s culinary landscape and providing us with our No. 1 comfort food.

James Hemings’ Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni
4 cups milk
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a medium-sized baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, heat milk over medium-low heat until warm. Do not boil.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux. Cook until mixture turns golden.
5. Slowly pour warm milk into the roux, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar to the sauce. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
7. Season cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
8. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir until pasta is coated.
9. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs atop macaroni and cheese to create a crispy crust.
11. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly.
12. Once cooked, remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Serve as a delicious main dish or as a side.

Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese, inspired by the dish introduced to the United States by James Hemings and served at Thomas Jefferson’s home.