Easy Indian-Style Mac and Cheese Recipe for Kids Veg
Tarla Dalal
• Updated : Jan 29, 2026
Finding the ultimate comfort food can sometimes feel like an endless quest, but nothing quite hits the spot like a classic, homemade Mac and Cheese. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner that the kids will absolutely adore or a decadent side dish for your next holiday gathering, this recipe is a total game-changer. There is something incredibly nostalgic about that perfect combination of tender pasta and a velvety cheese sauce that brings everyone to the table with a smile. At TarlaDalal.com, we believe that great cooking should be accessible and soul-warming, and this particular version of the beloved American classic is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Table of Content
The magic of this Mac and Cheese recipe begins with a perfectly prepared bechamel sauce, which serves as the creamy foundation for all that cheesy goodness. By whisking together butter and flour before slowly incorporating milk, you create a smooth, lump-free base that coats every single piece of macaroni pasta evenly. We recommend using a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese to give the dish its signature bold tang and beautiful golden hue. A secret tip for the best texture is to grate your own cheese fresh, as pre-packaged shreds often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from reaching its full, silky potential.
Once your sauce is rich and bubbly, it is time to fold in your al dente pasta and season it to perfection. While a simple dash of salt and pepper works wonders, adding a hint of mustard powder or a pinch of nutmeg can truly elevate the flavor profile, giving it that professional gourmet touch. For those who love a bit of texture, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and broil it until it develops a crispy, golden crust. This contrast between the crunchy topping and the gooey interior makes every bite of this homemade macaroni and cheese an absolute delight for the senses.
Tags
Soaking Time
0
Preparation Time
15 Mins
Cooking Time
9 Mins
Baking Time
20 Mins
Baking Temperature
200°C (400°F)
Sprouting Time
0
Total Time
24 Mins
Makes
4 servings
Ingredients
for Mac and Cheese
- 1 1/4 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup grated processed cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp plain flour (maida)
- 1 cup milk
-
salt and freshly ground black pepper (kalimirch) to taste
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Method
for Mac and Cheese
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a broad non-stick pan, add the plain flour and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously.
- Add the milk, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously.
- Add the salt, pepper and cheese, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously.
- Add the macaroni, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Keep aside.
- Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in a broad non-stick pan, add the bread crumbs, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes or till brown in colour. Keep aside.
- Spread the macaroni in a baking dish and sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over it.
- Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°c (400°f) for 15 minutes or microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Easy Indian-Style Mac and Cheese Recipe for Kids Veg Video by Tarla Dalal
Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe with step by step photos
Nutrient values (Abbrv)per plate
| Energy | 230 Calories |
| Protein | 8.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15.8 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Fat | 13.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 59 mg |
Click here to view Calories for Mac ?n? Cheese
The Nutrient info is complete
Payal Parikh 86
Aug. 26, 2019, 2:12 p.m.
This is such a popular kid recipe, but adults also relish it..it is a great combination of cheese, milk, crumbs and macaroni cooked and then baked to perfection....
Shafaque
May 31, 2016, 4:42 p.m.
Simple recipe, yet so tasty!
Maneesha
March 12, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
