WHIS-KID: KIDS COOKING LESSONS - How to Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar has fewer calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk reduces calories while still providing creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for sautéing.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Whole wheat flour adds fiber.

Fill a large stockpot with hot water about 2.5 inches deep, ensuring it will cover the pasta by about an inch.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, add 16 ounces of elbow macaroni and set a timer for 5 minutes to cook until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for a couple of minutes until bubbly.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and combine it with the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens