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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
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.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
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.
Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for added color before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
645 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.9 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.0 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 948 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.4 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 26.7 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 570 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 250 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
