Kid's Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Kid's Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
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.
Pasta & Main
Cheese Sauce
Finish & Serving
Method
Pasta & Main
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 6 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil in a medium pot over high heat. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 7–9 minutes). Taste to ensure tender but slightly firm. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 2
Make roux
In the same pot or a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tbs unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and foamy, sprinkle in 2 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–1.5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden (this cooks out the raw flour taste).
- 3
Add milk
Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk in a steady stream to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3–5 minutes).
- 4
Add cheese & seasonings
Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 1.5 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar and 0.5 cups mild cheddar or mozzarella (if using) a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Add 0.25 tsp mustard powder (optional) and 0.25 tsp ground black pepper. Taste and add salt to taste (start with 1/4 tsp if needed). If the sauce is too thick, whisk in 1–2 tbsp reserved pasta water or regular milk to reach a creamy consistency.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Return the drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce so it clings smoothly to the noodles.
Finish & Serving
- 6
- 7
Optional bake (oven)
To bake a golden top, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer combined mac & cheese to a small ovenproof baking dish, dot with 1 tbs butter, sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and a pinch of paprika, and bake until bubbly and golden on top, about 12–15 minutes. Let cool 3 minutes before serving.
- 8
Serve
Spoon mac & cheese into bowls. Serve warm. For picky eaters, keep sauce smooth and mild; for older kids, add a little extra sharp cheese or pepper to taste.
