Kid-friendly “Adult” Mac and Cheese
Posted by Charity on May 4, 2011 in Side Dish Recipes | 0 comments
This side dish recipe is a huge staple for me. It’s a fantastic, easy dish that kids love, love, love to eat. I have prepared it many times like it is written below (which serves it at is best), but on busy nights I nix the breadcrumb topping and skip the oven time.
But be careful not to make it your main meal… it’s meant to compliment veggies and a little meat – or other type of protein. Heck, you can even add some whipped sweet potato or yams to the sauce. The kids won’t have a clue. Or, be daring, and add some broccoli for added “umph”.
12 oz of pasta – penne, macaroni or other
¼ cup of butter
¼ cup of unbleached flour, sifted
2-3 cups of milk
1 ½ teaspoons dried mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups Colby-jack or white cheddar cheese (I use a mixture of cheeses – usually 2 cups cheddar, ½ cup parmesan, and ½ cup Colby-jack or even Chevre for a creamier taste) – shredded
1 tablespoon of Worchestershire sauce (optional)
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
½ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
1) Cook the pasta. Set aside.
2) In a heavy-bottomed saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat. Then slowly add in the flour.
3) Once the butter is absorbed into the flour, begin adding the milk into increments, not exceeding 2 cups. Be sure you stir almost constantly with a spoon or whisk to allow for the flour mixture to dissipate. Bring the heat up to a low boil, constantly stirring so it does not stick or burn. Reduce the heat. (If the mixture is too think add a bit more milk).
4) Add in the mustard, garlic, salt and Worcestershire sauce. Mix again as you add the cheese until melted. Turn off the burner.
5) Preheat the oven to broil.
6) Combine pasta and cheese sauce in the pan or in a bowl (the pan skips a step). Then put the pasta into a casserole dish.
7) Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
8) Place in the oven on a lower rack until the breadcrumbs are browned – about 2 – 3 minutes.
Kid-friendly “Adult” Mac and Cheese submitted by Charity Parenzini
This side dish recipe is a huge staple for me. It’s a fantastic, easy dish that kids love, love, love to eat. I have prepared it many times like it is written below (which serves it at is best), but on busy nights I nix the breadcrumb topping and skip the oven time.
But be careful not to make it your main meal… it’s meant to compliment veggies and a little meat – or other type of protein. Heck, you can even add some whipped sweet potato or yams to the sauce. The kids won’t have a clue. Or, be daring, and add some broccoli for added “umph”.
12 oz of pasta – penne, macaroni or other
¼ cup of butter
¼ cup of unbleached flour, sifted
2-3 cups of milk
1 ½ teaspoons dried mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups Colby-jack or white cheddar cheese (I use a mixture of cheeses – usually 2 cups cheddar, ½ cup parmesan, and ½ cup Colby-jack or even Chevre for a creamier taste) – shredded
1 tablespoon of Worchestershire sauce (optional)
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
½ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
1) Cook the pasta. Set aside.
2) In a heavy-bottomed saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat. Then slowly add in the flour.
3) Once the butter is absorbed into the flour, begin adding the milk into increments, not exceeding 2 cups. Be sure you stir almost constantly with a spoon or whisk to allow for the flour mixture to dissipate. Bring the heat up to a low boil, constantly stirring so it does not stick or burn. Reduce the heat. (If the mixture is too think add a bit more milk).
4) Add in the mustard, garlic, salt and Worcestershire sauce. Mix again as you add the cheese until melted. Turn off the burner.
5) Preheat the oven to broil.
6) Combine pasta and cheese sauce in the pan or in a bowl (the pan skips a step). Then put the pasta into a casserole dish.
7) Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
Place in the oven on a lower rack until the breadcrumbs are browned – about 2 – 3 minutes.