Coconut Macaroni and Cheese Recipe You Can Try with Your Kids

cheese macaroni
Photo by Ronmar Lacamien

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that everyone seems to love. But what if you could make it even better? By adding coconut milk, you can create a delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese that your kids will love. This recipe is simple to follow and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. So why not give it a try today?

1. Find coconut milk

You can find Thai-sourced coconut milk at most Asian supermarkets. If you don't have an Asian supermarket near you, don't worry – you can also find it online. Just make sure to get the full-fat variety, as this will make your mac and cheese even creamier. You can also find that sort of coconut milk online and have it delivered to your door. If you can't find thai coconut milk, you can also use regular coconut milk. Just make sure to get the full-fat variety, as this will make your mac and cheese even creamier. Still, Thai milk is best if you can find it. When shopping for coconut milk, pay attention to the labels. You want to find a brand that is unsweetened and has no additives. This may seem like a tall order, but it's not as difficult as you might think. 

2. Cook the macaroni noodles

Once you've found the perfect coconut milk, it's time to cook the macaroni noodles. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Then, add the macaroni noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Once they're cooked, drain them in a colander. While the noodles are cooking, you can start on the cheese sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once it's melted, add flour and whisk until combined. Then, slowly pour in the coconut milk while whisking constantly. Raise the heat to medium and continue whisking until the mixture comes to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and add salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Whisk until combined. 

3. Add the cheese

Now it's time to add the cheese. Add cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth. Then, add Parmesan cheese and whisk until combined. Once the cheese has melted into the sauce, you can add the cooked macaroni noodles. Stir until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more coconut milk – just a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The cheese can also be adjusted to your liking. If you want a stronger cheese flavor, add more cheddar cheese. If you want a creamier sauce, add more Parmesan cheese. Once you've added the macaroni noodles and cheese sauce to your liking, it's time to serve! Serve immediately with a side of green veggies or fruit. Enjoy!

Can anyone try to cook this recipe?

Yes! This recipe is easy to follow and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. So why not give it a try today? If you've never cooked with coconut milk before, this is a great recipe to start with. It's also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. They'll love helping to measure the ingredients and stirring everything together. Plus, they'll be so excited to eat the finished product! So go ahead and give it a try – you may just surprise yourself with how delicious it is.  Also, this recipe is easily adaptable. If you can't find Thai milk, you can also use regular coconut milk. Just make sure to get the full-fat variety, as this will make your mac and cheese even creamier.

Why is Thailand coconut milk best for this recipe?

Thai milk is the best type of coconut milk to use in this recipe because it is thicker and creamier than other types of coconut milk. It also has a more pronounced coconut flavor, which pairs well with the cheesy flavor of macaroni and cheese. If you can't find Thai milk, you can substitute it with full-fat canned coconut milk. Just be aware that the finished dish will be slightly thinner and not as flavorful. It's still delicious, though!

What are some other ways to adapt this recipe?

If you want to give this recipe a little bit of a kick, you could try adding some spice with chili flakes or curry powder. Or, for a more tropical twist, you could add some pineapple chunks or mango slices. You could also swap out the macaroni noodles for another type of pasta – penne, fusilli, or even shells would all be delicious. And of course, feel free to mix up the cheese! Cheddar is the classic choice, but you could also use mozzarella, Gruyere, or even vegan cheese. The possibilities are endless! So go ahead and get creative – this recipe is perfect for experimentation.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting dairy products for vegan alternatives. I would recommend using a vegan cheese sauce in place of the traditional cheese sauce and using coconut milk in place of the cow's milk. You could also use a plant-based butter alternative in place of the butter called for in the recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it calls for gluten-free pasta and does not include any ingredients that contain gluten. If you are looking for a truly gluten-free option, be sure to check the labels on all of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Also, be sure to use a gluten-free cheese sauce in place of the traditional cheese sauce. It's also important to note that some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may not be able to tolerate even trace amounts of gluten, so if you are cooking for someone with one of these conditions, it's best to err on the side of caution and use only gluten-free ingredients.

cereals
Photo by Taryn Elliott

This coconut macaroni and cheese recipe is easy to follow and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen, and they'll love eating the finished product! This recipe is also easily adaptable and can be made vegan or gluten-free. So go ahead and give it a try today! You may just surprise yourself with how delicious it is.