Mac and cheese ?

I was nominated to bring in a tray of mac and cheese for ds Thanksgiving party at school. What are some tips on making it, and keeping it moist?

By the time the kids eat it, it will be dry and gross.

TIA!

Re: Mac and cheese ?

How long do you have from oven to serving?

Mac and cheese ?

I would have to make it in the morning, and they have the party in the afternoon. It probably will be sitting there for at least a few hours.

Re: Mac and cheese ?

Can you use a crock pot or warming tray?

Mac and cheese ?

No, I don't think so.

Re: Mac and cheese ?

Ok, well then, I think you should still be ok for a few hours with a recipe that is on the creamy/loose side, rather than dry and eggy like some recipes (usually southern) are. You can also add extra milk to keep it creamy.
This is my go-to recipe, especially when I am cooking for kids b/c the American is so mild. While I don't ever recommend keeping any food out for more than 2 hrs, since this will be piping hot out of the oven, I think you should be fine for 3. (I have made it for superbowl parties and it has def. sat out longer than that.) Just be careful in transport. It is really loose right out of the oven before it "sets."
I would skip the hot sauce and breadcrumb topping for the kids, so I left those out of the recipe. And I would stir a few times during cooking.
Good luck!
Superbowl Mac and Cheese
2 lb macaroni
4 lbs American Cheese slices
12 cups milk (1/2 gallon + 1 qt I have used whole or 2%)
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup flour
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

This recipe will fit in a full tray size aluminum pan, so it serves a lot of people, probably 15+. You can easily cut it in half or ¼)
Grease aluminum tray or coat with non-stick spray.
Melt butter in a large pot that will hold 12+ cups liquid.
Add flour, salt and pepper, and blend.
Add milk slowly on low-medium heat until sauce thickens. It is really important to do this slowly.
I have found that it helps to warm the milk 2 cups at a time in the microwave.
Add cheese to sauce slowly, stirring constantly until cheese has melted. Make sure heat is not too high.
This will scorch/stick.
Cook macaroni according to package. Do not overcook.
Drain macaroni.
Place macaroni in greased pan.
Pour cheese sauce over macaroni.
Bake in a moderate oven (350) at least 30 minutes.