Kid's Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe
with/without crumb crust
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Crumb Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
- 2
Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- 3
Add Milk
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add Cheese
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper, mixing well.
Combining Ingredients
- 5
Mix Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
Optional Crumb Topping
- 6
Prepare Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- 7
Add Topping
If using, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the mac 'n' cheese mixture.
Baking
- 8
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac 'n' cheese mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown (if using crumb topping).
Serving
- 9
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Kid's Mac 'n' Cheese!