Marvelicious Mac and Cheese
This yummy mac-and-cheese, made lower-fat, is sure to please the family!
Per serving: 266 calories and 6.6g fat.
Saves: Up to 528 calories and 32g fat over traditional store-bought and restaurant dishes.
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Extra Time: 10 mins
(for cooking macaroni noodles)
Yield: 6 x 1-1/4-cup servings
About this Recipe Makeover
Traditional macaroni and cheese has oodles of fat and calories, in particular store-bought and restaurant variations.
The healthier, yet flavorful Marvelicious Mac and Cheese uses low-fat sharp cheese and fat-free milk, versus the higher fat cheeses, whole milk and extra butter found in rich store-bought and restaurant dishes.
Ingredients Show Makeover Show Traditional
- 2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (7 oz)
- 2 1/2 cup fat-free milk
- 1 Tbsp reduced-fat buttery spread
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 2 cup shredded low-fat sharp cheddar cheese (such as Cabot 50% fat or Trader Joe's Lite)
- 5 Tbsp butter, plus 1 Tbsp more for baking pan
- 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cup milk (3.25% fat)
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp Celtic or Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black or white pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, salt and dry mustard. Simmer for 1 minute, whisking occasionally.
Remove from heat; stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted. Add drained macaroni to saucepan and toss with cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven, uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Variations:
Optional topping: Prior to baking, sprinkle 1/2 cup additional shredded low-fat sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Add color and extra nutrition: Sauté some chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets in the butter before adding the flour for a gourmet version of this comforting creation.
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional analysis.