Best 10 Kids Favorite Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Preparing a delightful kid-friendly dish can be an exciting journey. Baked macaroni and cheese is a timeless classic that is widely adored by youngsters. With its irresistible combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and a crispy golden crust, this dish has earned a special place in the hearts of children everywhere. If you're looking for a recipe that will make your little ones smile and ask for more, join us as we embark on a quest to discover the ultimate baked macaroni and cheese recipe, tailored to perfection for kids.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CREAMY HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese image

This baked mac and cheese is a family favorite recipe, loved by children and adults.

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb. dried elbow pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups half and half
4 cups shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese (divided (measured after shredding))
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (divided (measured after shredding))
1/2 Tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 3 qt baking dish (9x13"). Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add dried pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directs for al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking.
  • While water is coming up to a boil, shred cheeses and toss together to mix, then divide into three piles. Approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over MED heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Mixture will look like very wet sand. Cook for approximately 1 minute, whisking often. Slowly pour in about 2 cups or so of the milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth. Slowly pour in the remaining milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.
  • Continue to heat over MED heat, whisking very often, until thickened to a very thick consistency. It should almost be the consistency of a semi thinned out condensed soup.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in spices and 1 1/2 cups of the cheeses, stirring to melt and combine. Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheeses, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture.
  • Sprinkle the top with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 minutes, until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 665 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 41 g, SaturatedFat 25 g, Cholesterol 126 mg, Sodium 700 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

KID'S FAVORITE BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Kid's Favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

I found this recipe in our local newspaper "Newsday" ,written by a 12 year old boy. Since then, it has been the only recipe my kids will let me follow. Easy, cheesy and delicious!

Provided by LI-Ray

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups milk
1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • 1. Cook macaroni al dente following package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • 2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, salt and pepper, and stir until smooth. Slowly add milk and continue stirring until mixture begins to boil and thicken.
  • 3. In a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan, spread half of cooked macaroni and sprinkle with half of cubed Velvetta cheese and half of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour half of milk mixture on top. Repeat with a second layer and sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
  • 4. Bake in a preheated, 350-degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If desired, broil for 1 or 2 minutes to toast bread crumbs.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Get Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Good Eats on Food Network, a classic recipe made with cheddar cheese and topped with buttery breadcrumbs.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
  • While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
  • Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
  • Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Unsalted butter, for the dish
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni with ridges
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups milk
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
  • Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
  • For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
  • For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
  • Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.

MOM'S MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Macaroni and Cheese image

Tender pasta is smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a down-home casserole that always satisfies.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (5 oz)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
6 oz American cheese loaf, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package using minimum cook time.
  • Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion, salt and pepper in butter, stirring occasionally, until onion is crisp-tender.
  • In small bowl, mix flour and milk until smooth; stir into onion mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Into ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole, spoon macaroni mixture.
  • Bake about 30 minutes or until bubbly and light brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1030 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1/2 g

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

CHEESEBURGER MACARONI RECIPE



Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe image

Forget Hamburger Helper - this made-from-scratch Cheeseburger Macaroni is my kids' favorite meal. This macaroni and cheese recipe is a fast dinner for those busy nights (and adults love it too) and is the perfect family easy dinner recipe.

Provided by Camille Beckstrand

Categories     Main Course

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or about 1 ounce)
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis (such as a 10 ounce can of Rotel)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup elbow macaroni
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef and drain grease.
  • Stir in taco seasoning, tomatoes, beef broth, and macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 minutes until macaroni is tender.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn a light brown color.
  • Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and mixture starts to thicken. Remove mixture from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356 kcal, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Sodium 1184 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

FAST & EASY KIDS MACARONI AND CHEESE



Fast & Easy Kids Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Fast & Easy Kids Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MeAndMyBoys

Categories     Cheese

Time 17m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) box pasta shells
1 cup milk
8 ounces sliced American cheese, cut up
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 pinch salt

Steps:

  • 1. Heat pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain.
  • 2. Add milk to pasta pot and heat over medium heat. Sprinkle in American and Cheddar cheeses and the salt and whisk until melted and smooth.
  • 3. Return macaroni to pot with cheese sauce and stir to combine. Serve warm.

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  • Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is definitely a kid-friendly choice, but adults will likely enjoy it, too.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon melted butter, plus more for baking dishes
1/4 cup store-bought or 3/4 cup homemade breadcrumbs
1 pound grated white cheddar cheese (4 cups)
Salt and pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 1/4 cups whole milk
8 ounces cream cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter four 14-ounce ovenproof dishes. In a small bowl, toss 1 tablespoon melted butter with breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup cheddar.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions; drain.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; add cream cheese, cut into cubes, stir until melted, 2 minutes. Gradually stir in remaining cheddar until melted, 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine.
  • Divide the mixture among prepared dishes. Bake until bubbling, 10 minutes. Remove from the oven; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until golden, 10 minutes more.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the taste of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is baked.
  • Make a creamy sauce: The sauce for your macaroni and cheese should be creamy and flavorful. Use a combination of milk, butter, and flour to make a roux, then add your cheese and seasonings.
  • Add mix-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins to your macaroni and cheese, such as cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or diced vegetables. This will give your dish a more complex flavor and texture.
  • Bake until golden brown: Bake your macaroni and cheese until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This will give it a crispy crust and a gooey interior.

Conclusion:

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your own taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with mix-ins, baked macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

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