Healthy Macaroni & Cheese (with Broccoli) Recipe for Toddlers

 

Ingredients:

• one 8 ounce package of whole wheat macaroni
• 1 cup's worth of fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 2 cups of grated medium cheddar cheese
• 1/4 a teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups whole organic milk
• 3 tablespoons of butter at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon of refrigerated butter
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of (room temperature) butter.
3. Cook the macaroni in boiling, salted water until tender.
4. Cook the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and cut into tiny pieces (the size of peas).
5. Spread half of the macaroni noodles onto the bottom of the casserole dish.
6. Cover with half the broccoli bits.
7. Sprinkle half of the cheese as your next layer.
8. Cut the tablespoon of cold butter into small bits. Sprinkle half over the macaroni and cheese.
9. Sprinkle half a tablespoon of flour evenly over the macaroni and cheese, followed by half the salt.
10. Repeat layers.
11. Pour milk slowly and evenly into the dish.
12. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter with the bread crumbs, until well combined. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over top.
13. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

*This recipe makes 12 generous toddler portions. (I usually cut it into the portions and freeze what is not needed until a later date.)
*Other vegetables, such as peas or green beans, can be substituted for the broccoli.