Print

Easy Thermos Mac and Cheese: Best School Lunch Idea

thermos mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

This thermos mac and cheese stays creamy, doesn’t get mushy, and actually tastes good by noon. It’s the perfect warm, comforting school lunch that will make you feel like a superhero parent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) melted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat your thermos by filling it with boiling water. Let it sit while you prepare the pasta.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions (about 6-7 minutes), until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick, gentle rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
  4. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once foamy, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly, until it forms a thick, golden paste.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece of macaroni is evenly coated.
  8. Empty the hot water from your thermos. Carefully spoon the mac and cheese into the thermos, packing it in gently. Leave a little room at the top and seal the thermos immediately.
  9. If using the breadcrumb topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese just before sealing the thermos, or pack separately and add at lunchtime.
  10. Let the sealed thermos sit for at least 15-20 minutes before packing it in a lunch bag to allow the temperature to stabilize and the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, pre-heat the thermos thoroughly with boiling water. Grate your own cheese from a block for a smoother sauce. The sauce should be slightly thicker than usual as it will continue to thicken in the thermos. Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy. Let the filled thermos rest for 15-20 minutes before packing.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-thermos-mac-and-cheese-best-school-lunch-idea/