Top 10 Macaroni And Cheese Recipes For Kids

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Children love the creamy taste of mac and cheese and want to have it most of the time while dining out. However, store-bought packages may be filled with artificial ingredients that may be unhealthy. So instead, you can make this yummy vegetarian delight at home by following the macaroni and cheese recipes for children we bring you in this post. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. If consumed in appropriate quantities, it is good for your little one. So, read on and try out these family-friendly recipes to make mac and cheese that your children can enjoy for lunch or dinner or any time of the day without you having to worry about extra sodium, fat, or calories.

10 Creamy Macaroni And Cheese Recipe For Kids

Creamy mac-and-cheese is one of the most well-loved dishes for children. Kids of all ages love it, and it is easy to prepare. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition has shown that pasta consumption leads to greater nutritional intake in children (1). Cheese, too, is a rich source of protein. One cup of mac and cheese can provide 53.1g carbs, 20g protein, 391mg calcium, and several other minerals and vitamins (2). Hence, these two ingredients can come together to make a wholesome meal for children. 

It is believed that Thomas Jefferson introduced mac-and-cheese to the US. While this is not proven, it is quite well-known that Jefferson championed this dish (2). Studies also trace it back to 14th-century Italy (3). In 1937, Kraft started selling its boxed macaroni and cheese with processed cheese, which made it accessible to everyone in the US, especially during World War II (4). With such a long and fascinating history, it is no surprise that mac and cheese is almost a staple in many households today. Today, parents prefer homemade versions of this recipe. 

Mom Heather, who also manages the blog Heather Eats, writes about how mac and cheese inspires nostalgic thoughts. She says, “When we were kids my Mom made this simple but tasty dish.  Back then it took a lot of time because she grated all the cheese by hand… [After moving out] From time to time I would start making it at home but forgot what was next so I would call Mom and she would guide my way…And then as I became more familiar with the recipe I started to think why shouldn’t I try a different version of this (i).” 

We have put together some of the easiest and tastiest recipes of this creamy dish.

1. 5-minute mac and cheese

This mac and cheese recipe for kids is amazing, try it out! It comes together in five minutes and is super delicious.

Ingredients

• ½ pound cooked pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾tsp salt
• ½tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a microwave safe bowl, add pasta, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well and cover lightly with plastic wrap.
3. Microwave for 3 minutes, stir and then microwave for another 2 minutes.
4. Keep stirring until it becomes smooth and creamy.

2. Kid-friendly mac and cheese recipe

Though the recipe mentions “kid-friendly,” it is loved by everyone regardless of age. Try this tasty recipe for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked macaroni
• 1 cup butter
• ⅓ cups flour
• 3 cups milk
• 750 pound cheese
• ¾tsp salt
• ¼tsp pepper
• 4tbsp dry bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Take a saucepan and melt ¾th cup of butter over medium heat.
3. Then stir in the flour and add the milk slowly.
4. Bring it to boil and then stir for 2 minutes.
5. Take it off the burner and then add cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts.
6. Add the macaroni and mix well.
7. Take a casserole dish and mix the remaining butter, bread crumbs and pepper.
8. Sprinkle it on macaroni and cheese and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Classic mac and cheese

This classic recipe is great for days when you don’t want to cook anything fancy. It is simple yet wholesome.

Ingredients

• 400g cooked macaroni
• 50g butter
• 2tbsp plain flour
• 500ml milk
• 250g grated gruyere cheese
• Chopped parsley

Directions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour.
2. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Then add the milk and stir until it acquires a smooth consistency.
3. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the flame and simmer for another 2 minutes.
4. Then remove from the heat and add the grated cheese until it is smooth.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well.
6. Season with salt, pepper, chopped parsley and serve.

Did You Know?

In 1937, Kraft Foods introduced the first boxed version of macaroni and cheese, known as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

4. Simple mac and cheese

This is an easy and quick mac and cheese recipe for kids.

Ingredients

• 250g cooked macaroni
• 1tbsp butter
• 1tbsp plain flour
• 450ml milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
• 1tsp black pepper
• 1tsp mustard powder

Directions

1. Heat butter in a pan and then add plain flour to it.
2. Add some black pepper, and mustard powder and cook on low heat for about a minute.
3. Then add milk and mix well. Bring the mixture to boil while stirring all the time.
4. Then add a handful of cheddar cheese.
5. Add the drained pasta to cheese sauce and stir well. Serve with garlic bread and salad or cucumber and chunks of red, yellow and green peppers.

5. Macaroni and cheddar cheese

This is an easy kids mac and cheese recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 2tbsp butter
• 3tbsp flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• ¼tsp ground cayenne pepper
• A pinch of salt
• 1 pound of cooked elbow macaroni

Directions

1. Heat a medium pan and add oil and butter. Then add flour and cook for about 3 minutes.
2. Add milk to it and thicken a bit by stirring continuously. Then add 2 cups of cheddar cheese and season with cayenne pepper.
3. Add cooked pasta and keep stirring.
4. Transfer the macaroni to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake the dish until the cheese browns.

6. Spicy macaroni and cheese

This easy macaroni cheese recipe for kids will leave you spell bound!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked elbow pasta
• 8oz. Cheddar, ½ of the amount cubed, ½ shredded
• 8oz. Colby cheese, cubed
• 8oz. Monterey pepper jack cheese, cubed
• 2tsp all-purpose flour
• ½tsp salt
• ½tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½tsp cayenne pepper
• ½tsp dry mustard
• ⅛tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 4tbsp sour cream
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup finely grated onions

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for 3 minutes. Then take a large bowl and toss the pasta and cheese cubes together.
2. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
3. Then take another bowl and add flour, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, nutmeg and dry mustard.
4. Then add sour cream, heavy cream, and onions.
5. Pour it over the pasta and sprinkle Cheddar cheese over it. Bake the macaroni for about 35 minutes.

Quick Tip

Add vegetables to your child’s mac and cheese to make the dish healthier. If your child doesn’t like eating veggies, you can sneak in pureed carrots or butternut squash with the cheese sauce.

7. Double cheese macaroni

This is a kid-friendly mac and cheese recipe full of taste and the goodness of cheese, but with less fat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of cooked macaroni
• 3 cups of 4% cottage cheese
• ½ cup butter cubed
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1tsp salt
• ½tsp white pepper
• ¼tsp  teaspoon garlic salt
• 3 cups half-and-half cream
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Place cottage cheese in a food processor and process until it is smooth.
2. Then take a large saucepan and melt butter. Then stir in flour, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Gradually add cream and milk.
3. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
4. In another bowl, add macaroni, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and white sauce. Toss to coat well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs over it.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

8. Ranch mac and cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound of macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup butter cubed
• 1 sachet ranch salad dressing mix
• 1tsp garlic salt
• 1tsp garlic pepper
• 1tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, ranch dressing mix, butter, seasoning and heat for 2 minutes.
2. Then stir in Colby cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until it melts.
3. Then add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss to coat.
4. Garnish it with Parmesan cheese.

9. Creamy macaroni ‘n’ cheese

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup finely chopped onions
• 3½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1¾ cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2tbsp minced fresh parsley
• ½ cup fat-free evaporated milk
• 1¾ cups 2% cottage cheese
• 1tsp Dijon mustard
• ½tsp salt
• ¼tsp pepper

Directions

1. Take a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave the onion on high for 1 minute. Then add the macaroni, cheddar cheese, and parsley and leave it aside.
2. In a blender jar, combine milk, cottage cheese, mustard, salt, pepper, and process until smooth.
3. Then take a baking dish and coat with cooking spray.
4. Bake the macaroni and cheese uncovered for 25 minutes at 350°F (180°C) or until it is light brown in color.

10. Colorful mac ‘n’ cheese

Ingredients

• 1½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups chopped zucchini
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• ½tsp dried basil
• ½tsp prepared mustard

Direction

1. Take a large saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the zucchini and onion for 2 minutes.
2. Then add in tomatoes, soup, milk, cheese, mustard, and basil. Cook it uncovered for 6 to 7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
3. Then add the cooked macaroni, vegetables and toss to coat well.

Infographic: Delectable Macaroni and Cheese Snacks for Children

Cheese with pasta makes young children’s faces light up with delight. This popular comfort food can be made more interesting with creative recipes. Read this infographic to explore yummy macaroni and cheese snacks to prepare for your children.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Top 10 Macaroni And Cheese Recipe For Kids

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Experience the irresistible flavor and nourishing qualities of a delectable mac and cheese, skillfully enhanced with hidden vegetables. This kid-friendly lunch option boasts a smooth and creamy texture that can be effortlessly prepared using our expert techniques.

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Dr. Elizabeth Roberts, a registered dietitian based in Somerset, UK, with 22 years of experience. She was raised mostly abroad and lived her early life in Norway, Greece and Germany. It was experiencing different eating cultures and behaviors that sparked her interest in food and nutrition.

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