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The well-known dish “mac and cheese” represents an extremely simple option to prepare, with a short cooking time, which enjoyed by many children, but also adults.
Although we associate this recipe with the United States of America, I think that in any country there is at least one recipe similar to this baked macaroni and cheese, based on pasta and cheese combination, whether it’s sweet or salty.
So, let’s discover together how we can cook easy homemade mac and cheese, without much effort and with a short list of necessary ingredients.
How to get homemade creamy mac and cheese?
In my family, the super simple version of macaroni and cheese is also prepared, which does not have a sauce, just simply combine hot pasta with a little butter and grated cheese.
However, to get creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe, we need to have a cheese sauce, which will incorporate the freshly cooked pasta to get an amazing final result with a fine texture.
Therefore, for the creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, the Bechamel sauce is mandatory. Personally, I think it’s an extremely simple sauce to prepare, to which you add the type of cheese you want to use in the end to get a delicious easy homemade mac and cheese casserole baked at home.
Sofia and I are salty cheese lovers, so I always prepare this simple baked macaroni and cheese recipe for a quick and tasty dinner.
Also, you should try this amazing Easy Cheese and Leek Tart recipe, which represents the perfect mix between a crispy tart dough and a creamy and healthy filling.
If I want to get a dessert based on baked macaroni and cheese, then I choose to cook Hungarian Vargabeles recipe, where I use pasta mixed with a sweet cheese sauce, and I can also add raisins. Also, for another dessert, I highly recommend you to try the Puff Pastry with sweet cheese and raisins recipe, extremely simple to cook.
But let’s get back to the creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. Besides the absolutely fabulous taste of salty cheese, which I already told you that Sofia and I adore, I must admit that the fine texture of this dish conquers you from the first bite. Basically, your taste buds will be delighted by this unique combination of salty taste, creamy texture and soft pasta. In addition, if the cheese spreads, you will definitely win over the little ones.
If you are looking for other types of casserole main dish, you should check out the Potato Moussaka recipe or the Lasagna recipe, which are also healthy, nourishing and delicious kids friendly recipes.
Is mac and cheese casserole a kids friendly meal?
Definitely, this easy homemade mac and cheese is a kids friendly recipe. Why? Because it is a recipe based on natural ingredients, it does not contain sugar and, extremely important, it contains many nutrients beneficial to children’s development.
So, you can confidently use this easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe for a quick dinner, even a filling lunch, or you can put it in a portable lunchbox to offer your child a warm snack when you’re on the road.
Also suitable for to-go serving is this amazing Pan-Fried Cheese Pie Recipe, a super easy, healthy and nourishing cheese-based dish.
As I already told you, this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe needs very few ingredients. In addition, this easy homemade mac and cheese ingredients can be carefully chosen, so that they are of the best quality, thus having the freedom to use whole macaroni, instead of processed ones, the cheese can be of superior quality, whether we are talking about cheese bought in the store or obtained from a cow farm. The milk needed to prepare the sauce can also be one with a high fat content, which we know is essential in the development of children’s bones.
In the landscape of childhood nutrition, milk and cheese, which are the main ingredients for macaroni and cheese, stand out as fundamental elements. These dairy products are not just traditional staples in many diets; they are also packed with essential nutrients crucial for the growth and development of children. The inclusion of full-fat milk, in particular, offers unique benefits that are vital during the early years of life.
The main benefits of consuming milk and dairy products
- Rich in Essential Nutrients
Milk and cheese are excellent sources of calcium, necessary for the development of strong and healthy bones and teeth. This is particularly crucial in childhood and adolescence, when bone mass is being built. In addition to calcium, these dairy products provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. They are also rich in vitamins such as Vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, and B vitamins, important for energy metabolism.
- Full-Fat Milk: A Source of Vital Fats
While there’s been a trend towards low-fat dairy products, full-fat milk holds specific advantages for children. Dietary fats are vital for young children’s brain development. The brain grows rapidly during the first years of life, and fats, particularly saturated fats, play a crucial role in this process. Full-fat milk provides these necessary fats, which are also important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Supports Overall Growth
The combination of high-quality protein, fats, and carbohydrates in milk and cheese makes them excellent foods for supporting overall growth in children. They provide sustained energy, essential for the active and growing bodies of children, who require more energy and nutrients relative to their size compared to adults.
- Cheese: A Versatile Source of Nutrition
Cheese, with its wide variety of types and flavors, is not only a favorite among children but also a versatile way to add nutritional value to their diet. It can be a good source of phosphorus, zinc, and other essential minerals. The fermentation process in cheese-making can also contribute beneficial probiotics, which are important for gut health.
- Considerations for Lactose Intolerance
While milk and cheese are beneficial, it’s important to consider individual tolerances, especially in children with lactose intolerance. In such cases, lactose-free dairy products or dairy alternatives enriched with calcium and other nutrients can be good options.
So, incorporating milk and cheese into children’s diets is a delicious and effective way to ensure they receive a wide range of essential nutrients for their growth and development. Full-fat milk, in particular, provides the necessary dietary fats for brain development and the absorption of vitamins. As part of a balanced diet, these two main ingredients for macaroni and cheese, can play a significant role in laying the foundation for a healthy, active life.
Easy homemade mac and cheese full recipe
I have to mention that I used the Thermomix cu ease my cooking, but if don’t own this kitchen appliance, you can simply use a bowl, a whisk and a spatula to achieve the same amazing easy homemade mac and cheese casserole.
Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese – A Warm and Creamy Kids Friendly Meal
Equipment
- 1 Thermomix / Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Baking tray
Ingredients
For the Bechamel Sauce
- 40 g Butter
- 40 g Flour
- 500 ml Milk
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
For the mac and cheese casserole
- 250 g pasta
- 50 g Cheddar
- 100 g Cheese
- ½ tsp Salt
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- First, we need to boil the pasta. For that, place a large pot filled with water on the stove. Add 1 pinch salt and 1 tsp vegetable oil into the boiling water;
- Once the water starts to boil, add the pasta and let them cook for 2 minutes less than the time recommended on the package;
- Meanwhile, prepare a Bechamel Sauce. You can find the full recipe for the Bechamel Sauce and the list of ingredients needed, in the article about the Bechamel Sauce.
- Grate the cheese and the cheddar, or chop them, as you prefer, then add them into the Bechamel Sauce;
- Using a spatula, mix well to fully incorporate the cheese and cheddar into the Sauce;
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, use a sieve to drain the water from the pot;
- Pour the sauce into the pot with cooked pasta and mix them well;
- Preheat the oven at 200℃ (392℉);
- Now, using a tray greased with vegetable oil, pour the composition of pasta and sauce and sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top;
- Place the tray into the preheated oven and cook them for 15 minutes at 200℃ (392℉)
- Serve the mac and cheese warm.
Nutrition
Now, it’s up to you if you will delight your family with this incredible creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, but I really hope you will try it.
I am looking forward to your reviews, opinions and impressions. Please remember that you can always share your thoughts in the comments section about this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe.
Until the next easy and delicious recipe here on easeyourcooking.com, I wish you all a great time spent with your loved ones. Bye 😊
