Classic Kids Mac and Cheese with Glazed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

This Classic Kids Mac n Cheese with Glazed Carrots is a comforting and delicious meal that’s both creamy and satisfying. The pasta is smothered in melted American and Parmesan cheeses, paired perfectly with sweet, tender glazed carrots. It’s a simple, kid-friendly dish that adults will love too!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 4 American Cheese Slices
• 6 ounces Pipette Pasta
• 1/2 cup Whipping Cream
• Honey, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 2 quarts Water
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 6 French Baby Carrots
• 2 teaspoons Oil
• 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepot over high heat, bring 2 quarts of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to a boil.
2. Step 2: Tear the American cheese slices into pieces and set aside.
3. Step 3: Slice the French baby carrots into three equal diagonal pieces each.
4. Step 4: Add the pipette pasta to the boiling water and cook for 12 to 14 minutes until tender.
5. Step 5: Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the saucepot.
6. Step 6: In a small sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the oil, carrots, ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover, and cook the carrots for 5 minutes until tender.
8. Step 8: Finish the carrots with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and honey to taste; toss and keep warm.
9. Step 9: Return the saucepot with the pasta to low heat. Add 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, Parmesan cheese, whipping cream, and torn American cheese. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Step 10: Stir the pasta in the sauce until the cheese is completely melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
11. Step 11: Serve the cheesy pasta in a bowl with the glazed carrots on the side. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, you can add a little more whipping cream or a splash of milk while cooking the cheese sauce.
• Try swapping pipette pasta for elbow macaroni or shells if unavailable.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey to glaze the carrots for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese and glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend for a sharper flavor. Just ensure it melts smoothly.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives along with a plant-based cheese substitute to make this mac and cheese vegan-friendly.

Classic Kids Mac and Cheese with Glazed Carrots Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 150 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and kid-friendly classic, this Mac n Cheese features creamy, cheesy pasta paired with sweet and tender glazed baby carrots. The dish combines simple ingredients into a delicious meal perfect for children and adults alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Mac n Cheese

• 6 ounce Pipette Pasta
• 2 quart Water
• 2 teaspoon Salt (divided)
• 4 American Cheese Slices
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Whipping Cream
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (divided: 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp)

For the Glazed Carrots

• 6 French Baby Carrots
• 2 teaspoon Oil
• 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoon Water
• Honey to taste

---

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta Water: Add 2 quarts of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a medium saucepot. Bring to a high boil.
2. Prepare Cheese Slices: Tear the 4 American cheese slices into smaller pieces and set aside for easy melting later.
3. Slice Carrots: Cut the 6 French baby carrots into three equal diagonal pieces each to create uniformly sized pieces for even cooking.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pipette pasta to the boiling salted water and cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until tender but still firm to bite (al dente).
5. Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and return it to the saucepot to keep warm and ready for mixing with sauce.
6. Cook the Carrots: Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrots, a pinch of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes to start softening.
7. Glaze the Carrots: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover it, and cook the carrots for 5 minutes until tender and glazed.
8. Finish Carrots: Stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and honey to taste. Toss the carrots to coat evenly and keep warm until serving.
9. Create Cheese Sauce: Return the saucepot with pasta to low heat. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and the torn American cheese pieces. Stir occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes.
10. Melt and Mix Sauce: Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the creamy sauce evenly coats the pasta.
11. Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to a bowl, place the glazed carrots on the side, and enjoy this classic kids’ favorite meal!

Notes

• For creamier mac and cheese, use full-fat whipping cream.
• You can substitute pipette pasta with any small tubular pasta like elbow macaroni or penne.
• Adjust the honey amount on glazed carrots to suit your child’s sweetness preference.
• Be sure to keep the pasta warm before mixing to help the cheese melt evenly.
• This recipe is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: kids mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, glazed carrots, creamy pasta, easy kid recipes