Healthier Homemade Mac and Cheese

To make this rich mac and cheese recipe healthier we use whole wheat bread crumbs, low-fat milk and cheese, whole wheat noodles, and reduced the amount of butter. Serve with a salad for a healthy meatless dinner.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 770 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pinch paprika
• 1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat macaroni (such as Smart Taste®)
• 2 cups shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
• 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk
• ½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk to roux, stirring constantly. Stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is thick, about 3 minutes. Place macaroni in large baking dish and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.

Step 3

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and stir until butter is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread over macaroni to cover. Sprinkle with paprika.

Step 4

Bake in preheated oven until cheese sauce is hot and breadcrumbs are browned, about 30 minutes.