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Back-to-School Thermos Mac and Cheese - featured image

Back-to-School Thermos Mac and Cheese

  • Author: SALY
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, comforting mac and cheese recipe perfect for packing in a thermos to keep warm and delicious for school lunches. Made with simple ingredients and designed to stay creamy hours later.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas, 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits, 1 cup diced cooked chicken

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water). Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir for 2-3 minutes until light golden.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly. Simmer over medium-low heat, whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until smooth and creamy. Add salt and black pepper, adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  5. Stir drained pasta into cheese sauce until evenly coated. Fold in any optional add-ins like peas, bacon, or chicken.
  6. Preheat thermos by filling with boiling water for 5 minutes, then empty. Spoon hot mac and cheese into thermos, seal tightly.

Notes

Preheat your thermos with boiling water to keep the mac and cheese warm longer. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and flavor. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best as it will soften further in the thermos. Adjust milk quantity to keep sauce thick but pourable. Optional add-ins like peas, bacon, or chicken can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 17
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 1.5
  • Protein: 14

Keywords: mac and cheese, thermos lunch, school lunch, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, kid-friendly lunch

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Find it online: https://cookiqa.com/back-to-school-thermos-mac-and-cheese-easy-homemade-recipe-with-simple-ingredients/