Thermos Macaroni and Cheese
How is it that we are already talking about the kids going back to school? Even though we are hitting triple digit temperatures, my oldest daughter goes back to school in less than a month! Where did the summer go? Each year the time between school being let out and starting a new school year seems less and less. While you are doing some shopping for school supplies, new backpacks and lunch boxes, go ahead and pick up some things at the grocery and start cooking and freezing to make going back to school a little bit easier!
This macaroni and cheese is frozen into individual servings that can be reheated easily and is great for putting in a thermos for lunch. What kid wouldn’t like macaroni and cheese in their lunch box? This would also be delicious with some added chopped bacon or ham. Now is a great time to stock up your freezer with school lunches! You will thank me come back-to-school time!
Thermos Macaroni and Cheese
Author/Source:
Heather @ Onceamonthmom.com; adapted from Food For My Family
Ingredients:
Ingredients
- 0.5 pounds small pasta (ditali, mini farfalle)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1.5 cup milk
- 2 Tablespoons cream cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions, drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until bubbly. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until golden brown. Slowly whisk in milk until incorporated. Cook until thick, 1-2 minutes. Stir ini cream cheese until melted. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, a 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until melted. Pack into thermos, or freeze for later use.
Freezing Directions:
Complete directions above, but instead of serving, divide evenly into small plastic containers. Freeze. To serve: Take out a serving and thaw. Remove top, reheat in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until heated through. Serve or place in insulated thermos for lunch.
Servings: 6
**conversion chart image provided by Erik Spiekermann
That is a brilliant idea for the kids lunches! Thank You for that! After a while the sandwiches and yogurts do get boring, haha. I’ll remember this when school gets back in, Thanks!!
This is beyond helpful! This and Peanut butter and Honey/Jelly is the only thing my lil Grandson will eat for lunch! School starts in two weeks and I was already wondering how to get mac and cheese in his lunch… Thanks again! Now not only will he eat but we can be prepared!
[...] Thermos Mac & Cheese [...]
Can I freeze the Thermos mac N cheese in 2 large containers, instead of individual ones? How would that differ in thaw/cook times or methods?
Yes, Becky, I think that would be fine – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator like normal, then increase heat time in microwave, or on stovetop.
Hi, my son is starting the first grade and I have never sent him with a “hot” meal… would a thermos keep it warm enough from 8am- noon? I love the idea!
Yes, it would.
Before I pack the hot food in the thermos, I boil water and put it in the thermos to preheat it. Then I just pour the water out and add the really hot food. My kids tell me it’s the perfect temperature at lunch time.
Freeze in muffin tins then put into freezer bag. You have do a double or triple batch and have enough for 2 months. Also if you can use the mini muffin tins if you want the mac n cheese to be a side serving size.