Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (2024)

  • Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN, LD
  • May 6, 2021
  • 2 Comments
  • Dinner

This simple mac and cheese recipe is made without flour or cheese product, just REAL cheese. Homemade macaroni and cheese has never been this easy.

Note: this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mac and cheese is the ultimate kid favorite, and let’s be honest, adult favorite, too. The boxed mac and cheese is popular for a reason…it’s easy as can be, and delicious. But this recipe is, too! We skip the flour so that you don’t have to whisk away at a roux, and we use real cheese- a major upgrade from cheese powder or cheese product. In addition, we’re boosting the nutrition, because, why not?

About this mac and cheese recipe

First thing – this recipe uses the instant pot, but you could make it on the stovetop if you are instant pot-less. (But seriously, you should get one. I resisted adding another cabinet space taking appliance for years. I *finally* got an instant pot after ignoring everyone praising them for like 7 years, and I wanted to smack myself. Why did I wait so long? They are speedy, easy, hands off, and don’t splatter food all over the place like when I cook on the stovetop. Love love. I have this one.)

Oh, and we’re adding some veggies in, too. I mean, would I even be a dietitian if I didn’t think about an extra nutrient boost? Canned pumpkin or butternut squash puree blend in seamlessly and add to the creaminess. In other words, you might never make mac and cheese without veggies again after you try it this way.

Canned pumpkin/squash is one of my all-time favorite ingredients, most importantly, because it is so versatile. I also use it in these muffins and this cheeseless kid-friendly pasta. When you use canned pumpkin or squash, you add a great serving of vitamin A, and fiber. I prefer the Libby’s brand for canned pumpkin. Some others to be a bit watery.

Many recipes use heavy cream or sour cream, however, I like using canned pumpkin or squash in place of those to make the dish a little bit lighter, too. Everyone in my house was happy with this version, so I’m like, why add heavy cream if we don’t need to?

The recipe does not call for any milk, but you may find you want to add a splash of milk (I prefer whole milk) if you want to thin it out a little bit.

Kinds of cheese for the best mac and cheese

This recipe has a combination of cheeses to boost the flavor. First up is shredded cheese — sharp cheddar cheese or extra sharp cheddar is the best. The sharp cheese works better than more mild cheeses like colby jack or monterey jack cheese.

Now, if you have a few extra minutes, I highly recommend shredding the cheese yourself from a block of cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded bagged cheese works in a pinch, but for the best flavor and best creamy texture, freshly shredded is best.

How do we make sure to get a creamy cheese sauce? Cream cheese! It helps make a creamy sauce. While the recipe calls for cream cheese, you can substitute butter, but I think the cream cheese adds a nice mild tang and creaminess that butter lacks. Still delicious with butter, though. And if you want to go nuts, feel free to add some grated parmesan cheese in there as well or just sprinkle some on top.

Easy mac and cheese ingredients

  • Regular or whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • Kosher salt
  • Cream cheese or unsalted butter
  • Canned pumpkin or butternut squash puree
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional additions

My daughter loves it plain, I sometimes add some onion powder and garlic powder. I usually also stir in some peas and chopped frozen kale, too, to add something green. And, if you happen to have some caramelized onions or roasted garlic leftover in the fridge, that would be an amazing addition.

Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (3)

What to serve it with

This can be a main dish, especially if you add some peas, which totally count as a veggie and a protein (winning). Or it would be a perfect side dish to go alongside a roasted chicken, or a rotisserie chicken if you want to keep things super easy. An easy side dish and an easy main dish are the only dishes that are actually made in my house, tbh.

Get more easy recipes

Cooking for my family doesn’t always brighten my day. It often feels like a chore, something I have to squeeze in, and it just feels like work. That’s why chef & kids cooking instructor Heather Staller and I joined forces to create Simply Satisfying Meals, a recipe e-book with easy family meals that are majorly low effort. If you think of lazy in the most glamorous way possible, that’s what you get here. Seriously delicious dinners, very little to no prep involved. It’s a weeknight dream, I promise you. This mac and cheese recipe is in the ebook, along with other instant pot, crockpot, and one pot/pan meals (that will take away the dread of weeknight cooking for the fam). Check it out here.

Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (4)

Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (5)

Mac and cheese without flour

Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (6)Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN, LD

Note: you can easily double this recipe to use a whole pound of pasta!

With this simple mac and cheese without flour there’s no need for that box of mac and cheese anymore. This version is just as easy and way healthier, too.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Calories 363 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Regular or whole wheat elbow macaroni* *Other pasta varieties (such as gluten-free pasta) or shapes might work for this recipe, but the cook time might change. Cook for the recommended 4 minutes then taste a piece of pasta to make sure it’s cooked. If the pasta is still pretty hard, put pressure back on for an additional minute and taste again.
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 cup Cream Cheese (or 2 Tbsp unsalted butter)
  • 1/4 cup Canned pumpkin or butternut squash puree
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Add pasta, water and salt to your Instant Pot. Cover and set to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. When time is up, quick release steam. It’s okay if there is water remaining in the bottom of the pot. It will get absorbed as you stir in the remaining ingredients.

  • Stir in cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and cheese. Continue to stir until creamy.

  • Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Serve right away.

Notes

I haven’t tried this on the stovetop, but here’s how I would make it if I were going that route:

Heat a large saucepan filled halfway with water over high heat until boiling. Add elbow pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain pasta water when the macaroni is al dente. Return saucepan to stove over low heat. Add cream cheese (or melt butter), then stir in canned pumpkin and grated cheese. Whisk until sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a generous pinch of salt. Stir in the cooked macaroni until fully mixed. And then you have some delicious and easy stovetop macaroni and cheese (without flour).

Nutrition facts for this recipe are calculated using regular elbow macaroni.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 14gFat: 14gFiber: 3gSugar: 2.5g

Keyword main course, main dish

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (7)

2 Comments

Mama Knows Nutrition· May 18, 2021 at 12:43 pm

Hey! I usually just add them for myself so I will microwave some with a splash of water for a minute or so and then serve the mac and cheese and stir in my veggies 🙂

Reply

RA· May 17, 2021 at 6:35 am

Hi! At what stage would you add the peas or the kale?

Reply

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Hi, I’m Kacie!

I’m a mom of two and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. I offer e-guides and e-books (go to my Shop page), workshops, brand partnerships, and nutrition counseling. Check out my blog for nutrition and feeding tips for your little ones.

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This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe without Flour (Kid-friendly!) (2024)

FAQs

Is flour necessary in mac and cheese? ›

Easy–simply boil and strain your pasta, then stir into the melted butter, milk, and cheese! No flour = no making a roux! So creamy, thanks to American cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes!

Is macaroni and cheese good for kids? ›

Mac and cheese has little nutritional value with the exception of a small amount of protein, riboflavin, thiamine and folate. It is highly caloric. A package contains just under 1000 calories, when prepared. Some mac and cheese variations contain a cheese mix, which isn't real cheese.

What is a good substitute for macaroni and cheese? ›

Cauliflower mac and cheese

This dish uses steamed cauliflower as a base instead of pasta, providing a similar creamy texture when mixed with cheese sauce. It's healthier due to its lower carbohydrate content and higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How to make a roux without flour? ›

Roux is commonly made with flour, but you can also sub in cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water to form a slurry before adding it to the pan and cooking it with the fat.

What not to feed kids? ›

Foods high in salt (sodium), such as some canned foods, processed meats (e.g., lunch meats, sausages, hot dogs, ham), and frozen dinners should be avoided. Some snack foods and store-bought packaged toddler foods are high in salt.

Can kids eat pasta every day? ›

Offer a variety of foods – if your family likes pasta it is OK to include this as a meal a few times a week. But don't fall into the habit of only serving or offering pasta every night because you know they will eat it.

Is there a difference between mac and cheese and macaroni cheese? ›

Macaroni and cheese (also known as mac and cheese in Canada and the United States and macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom) is a dish of macaroni and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins trace back to cheese and pasta casseroles dating to the 14th century in Italy and medieval England.

What keeps mac and cheese moist? ›

There are a few different ways to keep your macaroni and cheese moist, from adding a solid layer of shredded cheese on top to holding back on the cream when making your sauce.

Does mac n cheese need butter? ›

Using olive oil instead of butter in mac and cheese is a simple and healthy way to enjoy this classic dish. By choosing the right type of olive oil, making a roux, and adding flavor and toppings, you can create a creamy and delicious mac and cheese that's lower in saturated fat and calories.

What is the new name of macaroni and cheese? ›

After 85 years, the iconic blue box is rebranding. So long, “aroni.” After 85 years as “Kraft Macaroni and Cheese,” the beloved meal-in-a-box shall henceforth be known as “Kraft Mac & Cheese.” True, that's what many of us call it anyway.

Why is flour used in macaroni? ›

High-Protein (aka "Hard") Flour

Gluten is what gives pasta its bite and elasticity. So, higher gluten equals more firmness and elasticity. But all flour has gluten in it and the gluten is developed in relation to how long the dough is mixed and kneaded. More mixing makes a firmer, stretchier dough.

Why add flour to cheese sauce? ›

Starch (such as all-purpose flour, cornstarch, or potato flour) will keep the cheese from curdling. If using all-purpose flour, add it to the mixture before the cheese; it needs to be cooked for a few minutes to remove the starchy taste.

What is the function of flour in a cheese sauce? ›

It is the flour in a sauce that causes it to thicken by gelatinisation. For gelatinisation to take place the sauce needs to be heated. During this process, the starch grains swell and grow up to 5 times their normal size.

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