Today, in our cooking series, my helper is, Lucy, who is demonstrating the best and safest way to grate cheese! We could all use a little comfort food these days, and what better to make than a family favorite, Mac ‘n Cheese!
** This post is part of the special Key Lime KIDS series, designed to help kids during these challenging times by providing entertaining and engaging activities for families to do together at home. RECIPES WILL BE ENJOYED BY KIDS AND ADULTS, ALIKE.
This one is super simple, and as the title declares, TRULY is ALL about the cheese! No fussy sauce, and SO much better than the box!
FULL DISCLOSURE – though this might be viewed by some as a KIDS dish, personal experience tells me, if it’s GOOD, the adults can’t keep their hands off of it. Weeks ago, back when we used to be able to have friends over for dinner ?, I served this as the “kid’s meal”. This time, and EVERY TIME I serve this, the adults swarm around the baking dish and polish off whatever’s left. It’s such a crowd pleaser!
Who’s ready for some fun?
So as a reminder, here’s how it works. If you have kids at home, watch this short 5 min. video ? below, then help them practice what they’ve learned while making the YUMMY, kid-approved recipe.
[ Subscribe to the full Key Lime Kids series on YouTube. ]
For everyone else, please join in too : ) and take a few minutes to watch the videos. There are tips for kids and adults alike, and I’m sure you’ll get some laughs with this video series!
All About the Cheese, Mac 'n Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta such as cavatappi or fusilli
- 1 pound grated cheese I recommend half gruyere and half manchego for best flavor, but you can substitute mild white cheddar for some or all
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375. Butter a 9 x 13” baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in plenty of salted water. Drain when the pasta is al dente - a few minutes shy of being totally cooked through.
- Grate the cheese using the large holes on a box grater. Toss with the drained pasta, taste for seasoning (it will probably need a few pinches of salt) and place in the buttered dish. Pour the milk around the pasta, and cut 1 tablespoon of the butter into pieces and place evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, checking it half way through. If the pasta looks like it is starting to dry out on the top, take it out and stir it well, then continue baking until golden. Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- This can be made ahead through step 3 and refrigerated until ready to bake.
—
? We’ve got so much more fun in store. If you are new to Key Lime Lexi and don’t yet receive my emails with new recipes and ideas for better living, scroll to the bottom of this page and SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out.
Excellent easy recipe! Very cute Lucy and Mom!
I knew you’d love this!