🧀 Mac & Cheese: Early Schedule

Goal: Cook BEFORE the 9 AM appointment. The carrier will keep it hot until 12:30.

Strategy Change: We are cooking early (7:15 AM start) so it is finished and packed by 8:45 AM. The carrier will hold it hot for 4+ hours easily.

6:45 AM - Wake Up the Mac Take the mac and cheese out of the fridge to sit on the counter.

7:00 AM - Preheat Oven Set oven to 375°F (190°C).

7:15 AM - The Bake (Part 1) Put the mac and cheese in the oven.
Keep it covered tightly with foil.

Crucial step to ensure the frozen center thaws completely.

8:15 AM - The Brown (Part 2)

Peel back foil. Stir center gently if possible.
Remove the foil completely.
Bake for 30 mins to brown the top.

8:45 AM - Load & Leave

Pull Mac & Cheese from oven (It must be hot! 165°F+).

Trap the Heat (for the long hold):
1. Slide Mac & Cheese into the TOP slot.
2. Slide Thermal Partition into the slot DIRECTLY BELOW the food.
3. Latch door tight.

You can now leave for your 9 AM appointment. The box is sealed and safe.

12:30 PM - Serve Pick up the carrier (it's already packed!) and head to the potluck.