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Easy Thermos Mac and Cheese: The Best School Lunch

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This thermos mac and cheese stays perfectly creamy, cheesy, and hot until lunchtime. Made with simple ingredients and a special technique, it’s the ultimate lunchbox win.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your thermos: Fill your thermos with boiling water and let it sit for 5 minutes while you cook.
  2. Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, subtracting 1 minute from the recommended time. Drain in a colander (do not rinse).
  3. Start the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale golden and nutty.
  4. Add the milk slowly: Pour in the milk in a slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until coated. The sauce should be slightly loose.
  7. Fill the thermos: Empty the hot water from the thermos. Fill with mac and cheese, packing gently, leaving ½ inch space at the top. Close the lid tightly.
  8. Wrap for extra insulation (optional): Wrap the thermos in a clean kitchen towel or place in an insulated lunch bag.

Notes

Preheat the thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes to keep the mac and cheese hot. Shred your own cheese for a smooth sauce. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: thermos mac and cheese, school lunch, easy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, hot lunch

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