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Easy Thermos-Ready Mac and Cheese Cups Made in 10 Minutes

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Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that stays perfect for hours in a thermos. No reheating required, no leaks, and ready in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (100g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional mix-ins: cooked broccoli florets, steamed peas, crumbled bacon, or paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your thermos: Fill it with boiling water and let it sit while you prepare everything.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once foamy, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty.
  4. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, dry mustard powder, and garlic powder.
  6. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding the next.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated.
  8. Assemble the thermos: Empty the hot water from the thermos. Transfer the mac and cheese into the thermos, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets. Fill to the top.
  9. Seal and store: Close the thermos tightly. Let it sit for 5 minutes before putting it in the lunchbox. Do not open until lunchtime.

Notes

Cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente to prevent mushiness. Preheat thermos with boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Use block cheese shredded yourself for best texture. Sauce should be thicker than usual to hold up in thermos. Leave about 1/2 inch space at top of thermos for steam expansion.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/easy-thermos-ready-mac-and-cheese-cups-made-in-10-minutes/