Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRusTeak Thornton ParkKid's Mac&cheese Recipe

Kid's Mac&cheese Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Make Kid's Mac&cheese Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Toppings (optional)

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes.

  2. 2

    Drain the Pasta

    Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

  1. 3

    Melt the Butter

    In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

  2. 4

    Make a Roux

    Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste and turns slightly golden.

  3. 5

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. 6

    Add Cheese and Seasoning

    Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of black pepper, 0.5 tsp of garlic powder, and 0.5 tsp of mustard powder until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix Pasta with Cheese Sauce

    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine until all the pasta is coated with the cheesy goodness.

Optional Topping

  1. 8

    Prepare Toppings

    If desired, mix 0.5 cups of breadcrumbs with 0.25 cups of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.

  2. 9

    Bake (optional)

    For a crispy topping, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

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