Kid Friendly Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Perfect for picky eaters and packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Kid-Friendly Homemade Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food tailored for the whole family. Made with simple pantry staples like elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar, and a touch of cream cheese for extra silkiness, this recipe creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner or lunch that’s both quick and satisfying. Serve it as is for a gooey stovetop classic, or bake it to bubbly perfection for an irresistible golden crust. Plus, a sprinkle of optional paprika adds a pop of color to this kid-approved dish!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 3
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step 6
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 7
Serve immediately for gooey mac and cheese or transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with a little more cheese, and broil briefly until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8
Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for added color before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1041.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2515.1 |
| Total Fat 142.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 86.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2g | |
| Cholesterol 436.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4187.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 205.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 33.1g | |
| Protein 107.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2293.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 876.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories