Li'l Mama's Mac Recipe
Cheddar, mozzarella, grilled hot dogs
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Macaroni & Cheese Base
Hot Dogs & Topping
Garnish (optional)
Method
Macaroni & Cheese Base
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 1/2 tsp salt and the 2 cups elbow macaroni. Cook uncovered according to package directions until just tender (usually 7–9 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Make roux
Return the same pot to medium heat. Add 2 tbs unsalted butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in 2 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux — it should be bubbly but not browned.
- 3
Add milk
Slowly pour in 1.5 cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to 2 tbs of the reserved pasta water.
- 4
Finish cheese sauce
Lower heat to low. Stir in 1/2 tsp yellow mustard, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring gently until melted and smooth. Taste and add 1/4 tsp salt if needed.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Keep on the lowest heat for 30–60 seconds to warm through, then remove from heat to avoid overcooking.
Hot Dogs & Assembly
- 6
Grill or pan-fry hot dogs
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the hot dogs with 1 tsp vegetable oil. Grill or pan-fry the hot dogs, turning occasionally, until they are browned and heated through, about 4–6 minutes. If you prefer, lightly score each hot dog lengthwise before cooking for extra browning. If using buns, butter them lightly and toast in the pan for 30–60 seconds until golden.
- 7
Slice or place hot dogs
For kids, slice each hot dog into bite-size coins or half-moons (about 1/2-inch thick). Alternatively, place whole hot dogs into toasted buns if serving that way.
- 8
Assemble Li'l Mama's Mac
Spoon a child-sized portion of mac and cheese into a shallow bowl or plate (about 1 to 1 1/4 cups). Arrange hot dog slices or the whole hot dog on top or to the side. Drizzle or let the child add ketchup and/or mustard to taste.
- 9
Optional garnish
Sprinkle with 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp grated Parmesan if desired.