I tend to switch off between easy mac and idaho dried potatoes for my side dish on trail meals, and I have never found a way to make it quite as good/consistent as in the microwave. However, I find that less water than the directions is better, and I tend to also supplement the cheese package included with an ounce or two of hard cheese, typically parmesan.

I think just cause of the fact that it's easy mac and not regular pasta, it'll be kinda mushy in any case. Of course, there is always the honey mustard route if your kids like it. Honey mustard can be added to goup up easy mac and add flavor that isn't quite as "industrial bland cheese".

Hope that helps.