Creamy Mac & Cheese with Cucumbers

Creamy Mac & Cheese with Cucumbers

VegetarianUnder 15 MinsStovetopLunch • Dinner • SnackKid-Friendly • Comfort Food
Easy
15min
310kcal
4people

MACROS

per serving
※gProtein
◆gFat
▣gCarbs
◎gSugar
◇gFiber
Get Kitchen Buddy Free

Want to see the exact Macros for this meal? Download the Kitchen Buddy app and unlock full nutritional insights!

A super quick, perfectly creamy stovetop mac and cheese with mild cheddar, basic seasoning, and a fun crunch of fresh cucumbers.

If you are looking for a super quick, kid-approved meal, this Creamy Mac & Cheese with Cucumbers is the ultimate everyday go-to. Kids have wonderfully unique palates, and sometimes combining a rich, gooey cheese sauce with the fresh, crisp crunch of cucumbers is exactly what hits the spot! This stovetop Creamy Mac & Cheese with Cucumbers avoids any hidden vegetables or fancy green garnishes, sticking strictly to the basics to ensure it is incredibly yummy and comforting. We use a simple blend of mild cheddar to achieve that classic, velvety texture without relying on any baked crusts or overly complex flavors. Because kids have specific daily protein limits and might want to eat this multiple times a day, this recipe is carefully balanced to provide just the right amount of nutrition and energy without overdoing the protein. The addition of fresh, diced cucumbers right at the end provides a fun, hydrating crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm, melted cheese. Quick to prepare in just under 15 minutes, this Creamy Mac & Cheese with Cucumbers requires only basic pantry staples and absolutely no complicated seasonings. It is a straightforward, wholesome, and delightfully creamy dish that will keep your little one happy, nourished, and coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • 170 g Elbow Macaroni (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 240 ml Whole Milk
  • 85 g Mild Cheddar Cheese (about 1 cup shredded)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 100 g Cucumber (about 1/2 small cucumber, diced)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until tender.
  2. 2
    Drain the elbow macaroni and set aside.
  3. 3
    In the same pot over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter, then whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a simple paste.
  4. 4
    Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the liquid is smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 to 3 minutes).
  5. 5
    Turn off the heat, then stir in the mild cheddar cheese and salt until perfectly melted and creamy.
  6. 6
    Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni back into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  7. 7
    Right before serving in the bowl, stir in the diced cucumber so it stays fresh and crunchy!

Chef's Tips

  • •To keep the cucumber crunchy and prevent the sauce from getting watery, only mix the cucumber into the portions you are eating right away.
  • •Shred the cheddar from a block yourself; pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as smoothly.
  • •This recipe intentionally uses basic seasoning and moderate cheese amounts to keep the protein balanced for kids.

More recipes you might like

K
Recipe By
Kitchen Buddy Chef

Do you have everything to cook this?

Don't guess. Kitchen Buddy tracks your pantry to see if you are "Ready to Cook." Missing something? Add it to your smart shopping list in one tap.

Get Kitchen Buddy Free