Kids Mac & Cheese Recipe
Recipe information
Make Kids Mac & Cheese in just 30m. each feature choice of fries or fruit & fountain drink
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Ingredients
Mac & Cheese
Optional Side — Oven Fries
Optional Side — Fruit Cup
Fountain Drink (serve)
Mac & Cheese
1. Boil the pasta
Bring 8 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt and the 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni. Stir, return to a boil, and cook until just tender (al dente), about 8–9 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make a roux
In the same pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste, forming a smooth roux.
3. Add milk and thicken
Slowly whisk in 480 ml milk a little at a time until smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. If sauce seems too thick, add up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to loosen.
4. Finish the cheese sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups shredded mild cheddar, 0.25 tsp mustard powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy and smooth, 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. If you prefer a creamier texture, add up to 2 tbs of the reserved pasta water and stir.
6. Optional breadcrumb topping and bake
If you want a lightly crisp top, preheat the oven broiler or 200°C (400°F) oven. Mix 0.5 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter. Transfer mac & cheese to a shallow baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, and bake 8–10 minutes until golden (or broil 1–2 minutes — watch closely). Otherwise, serve directly from the pot for a stovetop-style mac.
7. Serve
Portion into 4 kid-sized bowls. Let cool slightly before serving to children.
Optional Side — Oven Fries
8. Prep potatoes
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Wash and scrub 2 medium russet potatoes. Cut each into sticks about 1 cm thick. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
9. Season and bake
Toss cut potatoes with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp paprika until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once at about 12 minutes, until golden and tender. Serve warm alongside mac & cheese.
Optional Side — Fruit Cup
10. Assemble fruit
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 cup halved seedless grapes, and 1 cup cubed cantaloupe. Drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp honey (optional). Toss gently to combine.
11. Chill and serve
Chill for 5–10 minutes if time allows, then portion into 4 small cups for kids as a refreshing side.
Fountain Drink (serve)
12. Fill glasses
Place 4 handfuls (about 16 pieces total) of ice cubes across four small cups or glasses (about 4 cubes per glass).
13. Pour soda
Pour 1000 ml fountain soda or sparkling water into a pitcher and distribute about 250 ml per glass over ice. Serve with a straw and a napkin.
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