Your kiddo will love this dinosaur mac and cheese (made from scratch!). Makes a really fun meal that every child will get excited for.
How to Make Dinosaur Mac and Cheese
- Make the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for one minute. Add the milk slowly while stirring to avoid clots. Simmer for five minutes, stirring constantly. Add the Cheddar and stir until melted. Remove from the heat.
- Combine: Add the pasta and sauce together and stir to combine. Season with pepper and salt, and serve.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
To Make Ahead: Make the dish as usual, cool it to room temperature, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready, add some extra cheese on top, and bake until the cheese turns golden and the pasta is heated through.
To Freeze: Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to three months. If you plan on using this storage method, make your sauce extra creamy for the best results. Thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave before heating it in the oven with a bit of extra cheese sprinkled on top.
Recipe Variations for Dinosaur Mac and Cheese
Vegan twist: Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and Cheddar cheese with vegan cheese shreds. Use dairy-free butter for a creamy, plant-based version.
Spicy kick: Add a quarter of a teaspoon of chili powder and a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat!
Broccoli and cheese: Steam one cup of chopped broccoli florets and stir them into the mac and cheese before serving. This adds a nutritious touch and extra flavor.
Bacon upgrade: Cook four slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and mix into the mac and cheese before serving.
Mediterranean twist: Mix in half a cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a quarter cup of chopped Kalamata olives, and a tablespoon of dried oregano to give your mac and cheese a Mediterranean flavor.
Creamy pesto: Stir a quarter cup of basil pesto into the cheese sauce before adding the pasta.
Buffalo-style mac and cheese: Toss one cup of cooked shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and mix it into the mac and cheese. Top with crumbled blue cheese for an irresistible buffalo chicken twist.
Truffle mac and cheese: Drizzle one tablespoon of truffle oil over the finished mac and cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Taco Tuesday twist: Season the cheese sauce with taco seasoning and mix in half a cup of cooked ground beef or turkey. Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
Hawaiian twist: Stir half a cup of diced pineapple and a quarter cup of chopped ham into the mac and cheese for a sweet and savory tropical flavor.
Dinosaur Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Dinosaur plate optional
Ingredients
- 8 oz Dinosaur pasta
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the milk slowly, while stirring continuously.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the Cheddar and stir until melted.
- Remove from the heat.
- Add the pasta and stir to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper and serve.
Notes
- Cooking tip: Make sure to stir the flour constantly for a smooth cheese sauce.
- Timing tip: Keep an eye on the pasta while cooking to prevent overcooking—it should be al dente. If you’re unsure, check the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time runs out.
- Consistency tip: Adjust the milk quantity if you prefer a thicker or thinner cheese sauce. Add more flour if you accidentally add too much milk.
- Flavor tip: Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavored cheese sauce. You can also add spices like nutmeg, paprika, and cayenne pepper or herbs like basil, thyme, and coriander.
- Serving tip: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating tip: To reheat, add a bit of milk to the leftovers and heat on the stovetop using the medium-low setting until heated through. Alternatively, microwave the mac and cheese, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, bake in the oven with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Customization tip: For extra flavor and nutrition, feel free to add cooked vegetables or protein like diced ham or cooked chicken.
- Kids’ tip: For a fun cooking experience, let the little ones help sprinkle the cheese or stir the sauce under adult supervision.
- Allergy tip: For those with gluten sensitivity, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce. For those with a lactose intolerance, replace the milk with an alternative of your choice and the butter with a nut or seed butter.
