Description
This easy baked mac and cheese for kids is a family-friendly comfort food classic made with elbow macaroni, cheddar, and mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. A creamy, kid-approved dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Great for picky eaters!
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking continuously. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella until melted.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, if using.
10. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking to prevent mushiness.
Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a lovely crunch kids enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg