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Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

This Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic favorite. Made with elbow macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce of cheddar and parmesan, and topped with a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb crust, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. It’s baked to golden perfection and uses skim milk and olive oil to keep it lighter without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup onion (diced)
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 – 1½ cup skim milk
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (or gluten free)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and black pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and golden brown, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually add the flour to the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring continuously until a thick paste forms. Slowly pour in the skim milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  5. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese into the thickened sauce until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked elbow macaroni in the cheese sauce until fully coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  7. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, and melted butter until well combined.
  8. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta and cheese. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • To enhance flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for a better melt and flavor.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly underdone to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; cover with foil when warming to prevent drying out.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/healthy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/