Print Friendly

I spent along time searching for the “perfect” playdate Mac ‘n Cheese, I think I finally came up with something I’m proud of.  The criteria for the mac ‘n cheese was three fold:

  1. It needed to use ingredients that most of us normally have on hand at all times.
  2. It needed to be tasty to both mom’s and kids.
  3. It needed to use one pot (we have too many dishes don’t we?)

This recipe has all three of these things, plus more!  I hope you try it out and enjoy.

  • 4 cups milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (I use whole wheat)
  • 2-4 Tbs butter (use 4 Tbs for a richer flavor)
  • 2 cups packed, grated, cheddar cheese (or other mild flavored cheese)
  • 1/2 Tbs mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • dash of cayenne
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs (optional)
  • sprinkle of Italian seasoning (optional)

Playdate Mac ‘n Cheese

Place milk and butter in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Watch this carefully, it will boil over QUICKLY.  Once boiling add noodles and turn down to simmer.  Cook for 10-15 minutes stirring frequently.  When the noodles are cooked stir in seasonings, using more or less depending on your tastes and audience.  Turn heat off and stir in cheese a handful at a time, making sure it melts between additions.  Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

You can stop here and enjoy or you can make baked mac ‘n cheese (this is how I like it) by placing the macaroni in an 8×8 inch baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs and Italian seasoning.  Bake @ 400 for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling.  Enjoy with fresh fruit and veggies on the side!

*You can make this in advance and refrigerate until ready to eat.  To reheat bake covered with foil at 400 for about 20 minutes, then remove foil and cook until bubbling, 10+ minutes longer.