Print

Easy Thermos Lunch Recipe: Perfect Mac and Cheese

easy thermos mac and cheese for school lunch - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy, kid-approved mac and cheese is specially designed to stay warm and delicious in a thermos for hours. With a simple sauce-to-pasta ratio, it’s the perfect packed lunch solution for busy school days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill your thermos with boiling water, close the lid, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes to pre-heat.
  2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta (do not rinse).
  3. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is pale golden and smells nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring gently until each addition is fully melted. Stir in the salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder.
  6. Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is well coated. The sauce should look slightly looser than usual.
  7. Dump the hot water out of the pre-heated thermos. Immediately spoon the hot mac and cheese into the thermos, filling it to the top. Close the lid tightly right away.

Notes

Pre-heating the thermos is crucial for keeping the mac and cheese warm. The sauce should be slightly looser than usual because the pasta will absorb extra liquid as it sits. Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce. For best results, fill the thermos completely to minimize air space.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-thermos-lunch-recipe-perfect-mac-and-cheese/