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Cozy Thermos Hot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

cozy thermos hot mac and cheese with broccoli - featured image
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A warm, kid-friendly mac and cheese recipe with broccoli that stays creamy and cozy in a thermos, perfect for school lunches or on-the-go meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta (about 200g)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 170g)
  • ½ cup mild melting cheese (such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack), shredded
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Optional: dash of smoked paprika or mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (960 ml) of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam 1 cup broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth roux.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar and ½ cup mild melting cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Optionally, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder.
  6. Add the drained pasta and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Preheat your thermos by filling it with boiling water for 5 minutes, then empty. Transfer the hot mac and cheese mixture into the warm thermos immediately to retain heat. Seal tightly.
  8. Serve warm directly from the thermos. The mac and cheese will stay warm and creamy for up to 4 hours.

Notes

Preheat the thermos to keep the mac and cheese warm and creamy. Do not overcook pasta or broccoli to maintain texture. For thicker sauce, reduce milk slightly or add extra flour during roux stage. Use a blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheese for best melt and flavor. Steamed broccoli should be tender but still slightly crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, broccoli, thermos lunch, kid-friendly, easy recipe, comfort food, school lunch, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-thermos-hot-mac-and-cheese-with-broccoli-easy-kid-friendly-recipe/