• Home
  • About
    • Copyright
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Food for My Family

...one plate at a time.

  • Featured
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bakery
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Breads
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Fruit
      • Pies
    • Homemade Pantry
    • Main Course
      • Beef
      • Casserole
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
      • Vegetarian
    • Make-Ahead Meals
    • Pantry
    • Sauces
    • School Lunches
    • Side Dishes
      • Bread
      • Potatoes
      • Rice
      • Salads
      • Vegetables
    • Soups
  • The Kitchen Sink
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Dining Out On a Dime
    • Gardening
    • Kids in the Kitchen
    • Money-Saving Tips
    • News
    • Timesaving Secrets
    • Tried and Tested
  • From the Patio
  • Going Green
    • Manic Organic
  • Menu Planning
    • One Deal, Five Meals
    • The Monday Menu
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Easy School Lunch Macaroni and Cheese for Sliding into a New Routine

Shaina · September 9, 2011 · 41 Comments

This 15-minute macaroni and cheese is one of the school lunches I fall back on easily. I only make it once in a while, but it’s a kid favorite, the creamy cheese sauce keeping the pasta hot until lunchtime.

Our day starts as the sun rises. Alarms blare. (To my neighbors, I apologize for Ole’s alarm. He leaves the windows open and then takes a good 20 minutes for the blaring to awaken him from his comatose state. It’s obnoxious, I know.)

The smallest member of our household usually wakes with the alarms, victorious over the nighttime potty training demons. Cheers of encouragement and pride are heard, and then a small amount of work is attempted.

In no time, bleary-eyed children start to emerge from the warm covers, slowly dragging their pajama-clad bodies to the living room, a final stretch and then collapsing onto the couch, ready(?) to start a new day.

By 7:30 a.m. we have reached crunch time. Pajamas are replaced with t-shirts and jeans – skirts for the kindergartener, though you’d think with all the scrapes and scabs she has on her legs, she’d start to see the practicality of pants. The next 30 minutes is a whirl of breakfast, brushing teeth and hair, repacking backpacks and then moving to the business of lunches. Then the door is opened, and out they run to wait for the school bus at the end of the driveway, which leaves the youngest in tears, heartbroken he can’t join his older siblings and go off to school.

Four days in, I can tell you that while the adjustment for the kids has been rather easy, happily running off to school and coming home with stories to tell, the shift has me feeling a bit scattered and tattered.

Trying to get back into the swing of things yesterday, we made one of our favorite school lunches. It takes only 15 minutes, and while the pasta is cooking, I stuffed garden fresh tomatoes, cherries and dried mangoes into lunchboxes, filled the water bottles and made sure teeth were brushed and children were presentable. Plus, the kids came home, all with empty lunch boxes, and that is what I define success as these days.

Early morning cooking with the kids. Melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.

Cook it a bit and then slowly add milk and then cream cheese.

Cheddar cheese hits next and is stirred until melty. All that’s left is adding our cooked pasta and filling the Thermos containers.

Little Lene’s lunch. She makes me smile with every kindergarten story she tells, and I’m still a bit sad to have lost my daytime cooking partner.

Warm and fuzzy lunch feelings are sent off with the kids, and one is tucked away at home for a very lonely little Magnus, who saw me editing the photo of the kids’ first day of school up above and started telling me how they were gone and how he wants to play with them in a very sad little boy voice.

What have you been packing for school lunches so far? Check out some of our methods to curb the madness in The Art of Packing School Lunches.

Easy Macaroni and Cheese

Print me!
1/2 pound small pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat until bubbly. Slowly whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously, until the roux turns golden. Slowly whisk in the milk until all is incorporated. Cook until thick, 1-2 minutes.

Stir in cream cheese until melted. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring to melt. Season to taste. Serve immediately or pack into preheated insulated containers to enjoy at lunch.


Makes 4 servings.
Copyright © Food for My Family.

NOTE: If you’re getting my RSS feed via email, I know it’s been a bit wonky the last few days. Hopefully it will be fixed (crossing my fingers) today! I’m so sorry for the inconvenience and multiple emails, and thank you so much for being patient as I get it fixed.

Filed Under: Kids in the Kitchen, Pasta, Recipes, School Lunches, The Kitchen Sink

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bev Weidner says

    September 9, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    That. Is. Precious.

    I might need to eat 15 cans of that, like now.

    Reply
  2. Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says

    September 9, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Oh my goodness, my heart is breaking for poor Magnus. He’s only got stinky ol’ you to play with. Poor kid. 😉

    Reply
    • Shaina says

      September 9, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      I am far less entertaining than his older siblings, I assure you. He did, however, give me the play-by-play on what was happening outside the window, on TV and with his lunch all morning. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Vicki Bensinger says

    September 9, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I know it’s so sad when they all leave. I miss having my kids at home now that we’re empty nesters. I love hearing everyone share there back to school experience just so I can reminis.

    As for that Mac and cheese recipe who says it’s for kids. With the weather acting fall and gloomy today I might just make this. I have all the ingredients.

    Please check out my blog today, you’re mentioned.

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  4. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    September 9, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Mmm… Yummy school lunch! I need 10 cans of that, please? 🙂

    Reply
  5. Salt in Suburbia says

    September 10, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    I just found your blog from today’s conference listing. I don’t think we met, but I love your blog. Question: Where do you get those great little plastic containers for the fruit?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      September 11, 2011 at 6:58 pm

      I’ll second the question of the little plastic containers! thanks – i haven’t added cream cheese to my mac and cheese but trying it now.
      K

      Reply
      • Shaina says

        September 11, 2011 at 7:22 pm

        They’re Annabel Karmel Stackable Food Pots. We have been using these for years, and they have worked well for both baby food and lunches for the elementary-aged kids.

        Reply
  6. Jennifer @ Loving Bytes says

    September 11, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    I just made some of this for the kids’ lunches tomorrow. Yum! So worth the extra 5 minutes to use real cheese & milk, rather than a powder mix.

    Reply
  7. MikeVFMK says

    September 11, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Shaina, this is a fantastic quick and easy mac and cheese. Perfect for school lunches for you adorable children. So cute!!

    Reply
  8. Curt says

    September 12, 2011 at 11:48 am

    You just can’t have too much mac & cheese. What kid doesn’t love it?

    Reply
  9. David says

    September 12, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    Delicious recipe! Thank you very much!

    Reply
  10. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says

    September 12, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    always a kid’s favorite. Great photos!

    Reply
  11. Sarah Caron says

    September 14, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Homemade mac and cheese (my version is similar, but I don’t use cream cheese and do add a little dried mustard) is my go-to meal for days when I forget about dinner until dinnertime is upon us (that’s usually accompanied by deadlines and a flurry of activities). But even though I know how easy it is, I hadn’t though to pack it for school lunch. Great idea!

    Reply
  12. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says

    September 20, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    I may not have kids or anyone to pack lunches for… But, I’m thinking the hubby and I would love to have this for lunch one day this week. 🙂

    Reply
  13. sab says

    December 6, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    A lady I used to babysit for made a very similar recipe! She added small peices of broccoli to the mac and cheese! so delish!

    Reply
  14. Stacey says

    September 9, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    Just wanted you to know …. I use this recipe ALL THE TIME and especially for their lunchboxes. Thanks so much – my kids love this mac and cheese so much!

    Reply
  15. Mrs.holtan says

    July 31, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Cream cheese! Genius. I’m always making homemade Mac and cheese that my children complain about but I’m guessing cream cheese is the missing ingredient to make it smooth and creamy. Thank you!

    Reply
  16. katie disney says

    September 25, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    Where do u get the soup thermos?

    Reply
    • Shaina says

      September 25, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      I buy mine at Target, but they’re online, too. Just search for Thermos Brand Food Jars.

      Reply
  17. Michelle says

    October 15, 2014 at 9:51 am

    Where did you get those little square containers that are easily opened by little fingers….ones I found at a Wal-mart or TJ Max are too hard for my daughter to open.

    Reply
    • Shaina says

      October 15, 2014 at 4:12 pm

      They are from Annabel Karmel. The new ones are cups, though, instead of squares. I also love Kids Konserve’s nesting trio for small hands. (They’re extremely durable, too.)

      Reply
  18. RJ Vargas says

    January 2, 2015 at 10:55 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful idea but I am not a fan of cheddar. Would other cheeses work just as well? I was thinking maybe Parmesan, a creamy Swiss or goat? Your thoughts?

    Reply
  19. Cherise says

    September 26, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    I can’t wait to try this recipe!!!! Where did you get your black cheese shredder from????

    Reply
    • Shaina says

      October 1, 2015 at 12:18 pm

      I found it at Target.

      Reply
  20. Ell says

    December 10, 2016 at 6:33 am

    Will use this delicious recipe for my kids lunch box! Thank u!

    Reply
    • adrian says

      March 29, 2017 at 12:14 pm

      School lunch if fuckin disgusting anyone of u say u love it u suck ass. And I don’t care where u bought it from it sucks ass kms

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Buffalo Chicken Marcaroni and Cheese | TidyMom says:
    January 9, 2012 at 7:11 am

    […] I hear the words “comfort food” Macaroni and Cheese is one of the first things that comes to mind.  It’s an ooey-gooey food that warms you, […]

    Reply
  2. Kitchen Planning When You Are Pregnant (Eat Well Spend Less) | KingdomFirstMom.com says:
    March 20, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    […] smell of a meal slow-cooking (even meat) doesn’t bother me. We also eat a lot of pasta, like homemade macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with homemade sauce, or chicken pasta […]

    Reply
  3. Thermos Macaroni and Cheese | OAMC from Once A Month Mom says:
    July 6, 2012 at 9:01 am

    […] Heather @ Onceamonthmom.com; adapted from Food For My Family […]

    Reply
  4. Kale and Pumpkin Seed Wrap | The Wrap by La Tortilla Factory says:
    September 26, 2012 at 10:12 am

    […] working on a special entree when I’m packing lunches. So, I might go out of my way to make my 10-minute macaroni and cheese, but then the grapes, cucumber slices and carrot sticks remain. Similarly, I may pack cheese and […]

    Reply
  5. Hot School Lunch Ideas + Thermos Giveaway! | Easy. Homemade. says:
    January 2, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    […] Creamy Mac & Cheese […]

    Reply
  6. Menu Plan: Week of January 14 says:
    January 13, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    […] 1/17 Breakfast – Fried Eggs Lunch – Creamy Mac & Cheese, Apples Supper – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, […]

    Reply
  7. 15 Lunch Box Ideas for Back to School | FamilyCorner.com® says:
    August 9, 2013 at 10:55 am

    […] – Easy Thermos Macaroni and Cheese from Food for my […]

    Reply
  8. Thermos Macaroni and Cheese | OAMC from Once A Month Meals says:
    May 31, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    […] Heather @ onceamonthmeals.com; adapted from Food For My Family […]

    Reply
  9. 24 Hot School Lunch Ideas + a Thermos Giveaway! says:
    July 10, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    […] Creamy Mac & Cheese […]

    Reply
  10. 30 Great Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids says:
    July 28, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    […] Easy Macaroni and Cheese by Food for My […]

    Reply
  11. Easy Back to School Lunch Ideas says:
    August 1, 2014 at 5:00 am

    […] Easy Macaroni and Cheese from Food For My Family […]

    Reply
  12. What You Actually Need to Pack No-Waste, Eco-Friendly School Lunches | Food for My Family says:
    August 20, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    […] to get you started. ::Get inspired by our school lunches on the Food for My Family Facebook page. ::10-Minute Macaroni and Cheese for School Lunches ::The Back-to-School Lunch Box Buying Guide ::A Back-to-School Eat Well, Spend Less: ABC Ideas for […]

    Reply
  13. Easy, Healthy School Lunches says:
    September 11, 2014 at 11:48 am

    […] Easy Mac & Cheese | Food for My […]

    Reply
  14. 26 Incredible School Lunchbox Ideas says:
    May 28, 2015 at 9:25 am

    […] kids something warm to enjoy at lunchtime, especially in the cold winter months. With this easy mac n’ cheese recipe you can send your little ones off to school knowing that they have got a yummy meal waiting […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar


Hello, I'm Shaina. Food for My Family is where I share recipes, tips, opinions, and my philosophy on food as Ole and I strive to teach our four children how to eat well: seasonally, locally, organically, deliciously, and balanced. [Read more...]
Subscribe to the Feed @foodformyfamily on Twitter Food for My Family on Facebook Food for My Family on Instagram Food for My Family on Pinterest Email Shaina
Desserts In Jars
  •  :: Amazon
  •  :: Barnes & Noble
  •  :: Target
  •  :: Local Store

Some of My Favorites

Potato Leek Casoncelli Pasta with Walnut Pesto #recipe | FoodforMyFamily.com
Grilled Turmeric Ginger Shrimp and Mango Avocado Slaw with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe: Food for My Family
Homemade Salted Nut Rolls with Bourbon Caramel #recipe | FoodforMyFamily.com
Galete Waffle Cookies recipe | FoodforMyFamily.com
Curry Cauliflower Quinoa and Lentil Salad Recipe | FoodforMyFamily.com
Roasted Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream with Graham Cracker Waffle Cones \ FoodforMyFamily.com

Copyright © 2022 · Food For My Family ·

Copyright © 2022 · Daily Dish Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in