Description
Delicious and baby-friendly mac and cheese muffins designed for baby-led weaning. These savory muffins combine creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and steamed carrots for a nutritious and easy-to-eat finger food that toddlers will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large carrots, sliced and steamed
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Dairy
- 500 ml milk
- 50 g (3 tbsp) butter
- 80 g (1 cup) grated cheese
Pantry
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 250 g (2 1/2 cups) dried macaroni pasta (cooked as per pack instructions)
- 2-3 tbsp brown bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) to prepare for baking the muffins.
- Make Carrot Milk Blend: Place the steamed carrots, milk, and garlic clove in a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Prepare Roux: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and silky, ensuring the flour cooks properly without browning.
- Add Milk Mixture and Cheese: Reduce heat to a simmer. Slowly pour in the blended carrot and milk mixture while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Continue stirring as the sauce thickens. Add the grated cheese and stir until fully melted, then incorporate the fresh thyme.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni pasta into the cheese sauce evenly, ensuring all pasta is well coated.
- Fill Muffin Cases: Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into muffin cases, filling each generously. Sprinkle the tops with brown bread crumbs for a crunchy finish.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the muffins to cool until slightly warm before removing them from the muffin cases. This step helps the muffins hold together well and makes them easier for babies to handle.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente according to package instructions before mixing into the sauce.
- Steaming carrots preserves nutrients and softens them for easier blending and digestion.
- Using fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal flavor suitable for babies but can be omitted if preferred.
- Brown bread crumbs add texture but can be substituted with gluten-free crumbs for dietary needs.
- Always check the temperature before serving muffins to babies to avoid burns.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
