This isn't your grandma's mac and cheese (unless your grandma is super cool!). We're taking a classic comfort food and giving it a fun, prehistoric twist with dinosaur-shaped pasta! It's a recipe that's guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike; It brings back those delightful memories of childhood dinners.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we journey through the steps of creating this creamy, cheesy delight. From the simple act of boiling pasta to the masterful creation of a smooth and flavorful cheese sauce, each step is an opportunity for culinary expression. Feel free to customize this recipe—add different cheeses, spices, or even some veggies—but don't be afraid to experiment!

Dinosaur Mac and Cheese

Name: Dinosaur-Mac-and-Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Kid-Friendly
Ingredients: 1 cup Dinosaur-shaped pasta; 2 tablespoons Butter; 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour; 2 cups Milk; 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg; 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs

This fun twist on a childhood classic features cheesy, creamy goodness and dinosaur-shaped pasta—perfect for a family-friendly meal!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dinosaur-shaped pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Don't overcook it; you want it to hold its shape!
Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux. It's super important to cook this for long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste; Trust me, you don't want a raw-tasting cheese sauce!
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Keep whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This takes some patience but it's worth it!
Once the sauce is smooth, reduce heat to low and stir in the cheeses. Continue stirring until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of garlic powder won't hurt either!
Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir to combine, making sure all the pasta is fully coated. It's ok if some cheese sauce clings to the sides of the pan; That adds extra flavor!
Pour into baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese (if desired). I'm partial to a good sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it; every oven is different! You don't want it to burn, but you do want it to get a nice golden-brown crust.
Let it rest: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it even more delightful to eat!

📝 Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses, like Gruyère or Fontina, instead of just cheddar and mozzarella. Feel free to experiment!
If the sauce gets too thick while cooking, whisk in a little more milk to thin it out. The perfect cheese sauce is velvety smooth!