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Easy Thermos Creamy Mac and Cheese for School Lunch

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This creamy thermos mac and cheese stays warm and velvety for hours, with no soggy noodles or grainy sauce. Perfect for school lunches, it uses simple pantry ingredients and a foolproof technique that keeps kids coming home with an empty thermos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (Barilla or De Cecco recommended)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional mix-ins: frozen peas, steamed broccoli florets, or diced ham

Instructions

  1. Preheat your thermos: Fill it with boiling water, screw the lid on, and let it sit while you cook.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per gallon).
  3. Cook the elbow macaroni for 1-2 minutes less than package directions (about 6-7 minutes). It should be firm but not crunchy.
  4. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Do not rinse too long.
  5. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture smells nutty.
  6. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted.
  8. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until every piece is coated. The sauce will seem a little thin.
  10. Empty the hot water from the thermos and dry the inside quickly with a paper towel.
  11. Spoon the mac and cheese directly into the preheated thermos, filling it to the top to minimize air space. Screw the lid on tightly.
  12. Optional: Wrap the thermos in a small kitchen towel for extra insulation.

Notes

Do not skip preheating the thermos with boiling water—it’s critical for heat retention. Undercook the pasta by a full 2 minutes to prevent mushiness. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth sauce. Make the sauce slightly thinner than you think; it will thicken in the thermos. Pack the thermos while everything is piping hot and fill it completely to minimize air space.

Nutrition

Keywords: thermos mac and cheese, school lunch, creamy mac and cheese, thermos pasta, kid-friendly lunch, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-thermos-creamy-mac-and-cheese-for-school-lunch/