Mac and Cheese

Jamiedoll01

OK- so one more annoying party question.  I think we are expecting ~50 people, of which about 8 are children.  We are going to have mac & cheese.  Should I go the homemade route, or make box stuff?  DH says box stuff, because it's a kid party and kids appreciate that moreso than baked stuff.  I just don't want to look like a total weirdo...is it too strange to just make a few boxes of that stuff?  And if you did do that, would you put it in a crock pot or in a foil thingie over burners to keep warm?  (can you tell I'm not exactly the iron chef?)

NewQueen

Personally, I'd make a batch of homemade in the crockpot. Not only is it just as easy as the boxed stuff, it tastes better, you won't have to transfer it to a different dish and both kids and adults will eat it.

jessica0602

Yes! Crockpot! It's so easy!

erbur78

I'd make the white cheddar kind from a box, but with my own homemade twist--add some veggies like tomatoes or peas, top with breadcrumbs.  I usually buy Annie's or the Trader Joe's version. 

Landdo

If it's my kid, I would make the box because that's the only thing she'd eat.  But I know not all kids are as picky as mine.  

rumdrinx

so homemade is not just as easy, IMO.  Grating the cheese, making the roux then sauce etc...whew!  all this said, I made two giant dishes of homemade like 2 nights before the party and then baked them that morning for like 1.5 hrs and they set them out. the kids ate it or they didn't.  Now that F is 3, i might consider a big batch of the boxed stuff ...but we are going to order pizzas and have fruit salad and call it a day.

Jamiedoll01

Thanks ladies!  I will check into crock pot recipes to see if I can find any I like.  Maybe I'll do that and a couple of boxes too.

Rum- so good to see you on here!  F is 3 already?!  

rumdrinx

yep. In october. she is a real pip.

jessica0602

@jamiedoll01 Try this one!

1 box of Rotini pasta
2 cups cheddar jack, shredded
2 cups <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = "ST1" />Monterey jack, shredded
Half of a large block of Velveeta
3 cups milk
Garlic salt
Butter – ½ stick (optional)
Bread crumbs, any flavor (optional but highly recommended)

1. Boil a pot of water for the pasta.
2. Cook ½ time on box – usually about 7 minutes.
3. Strain pasta.
4. Place pasta and all ingredients in the crock pot, mixing together.
5. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
6. If you put on low, make sure to check periodically, as it sometimes is done sooner.
7. Approximately 30-45 minutes before the macaroni and cheese is done, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
8. When breadcrumbs are crispy, it is ready.

Jamiedoll01

Jess that sounds fantastic!  Will have to give it a try!

thejuliejewels

I can vouch 0602's Mac is not just easy, but so so so good. I think there's a few of us on here that make it! I make it for parties.