Ranch mac n cheese –Hey everyone! Today, I’ve got a delicious recipe to share with you all—Kid Friendly Ranch Mac ‘N Cheese! This dish is not just a comforting classic, but it also comes with a fun twist that incorporates math into the cooking experience. It’s perfect for engaging the little ones in the kitchen while whipping up a tasty meal. Let’s dive right in!
Here’s a visual treat for you:
Check out how appetizing this dish looks!
Now, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life:
Ingredients
- 1 box of elbow macaroni (about 8 oz)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet of Hidden Valley® Ranch Dressing Mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: toppings such as breadcrumbs or additional cheese
Instructions
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and keep mixing for about 1 minute until you have a smooth paste.
- Gradually add the milk to the saucepan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook this mixture until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and the packet of Hidden Valley® Ranch Dressing Mix to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you want to add a crunchy topping, transfer the mac ‘n cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or more cheese and pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Once it’s ready, serve it hot and enjoy a meal that not only satisfies the taste buds but is also a fun way to teach kids about measurements through cooking!
This Kid Friendly Ranch Mac ‘N Cheese is not only yummy but also an excellent way for kids to learn and enjoy cooking. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes in the comments! Happy cooking!