Julia’s eating disorder turned her off to mac & cheese for many years, however our simple and nourishing recipe helped her reclaim her love for this popular dish. Topped with parmesan and breadcrumbs, it truly is the ultimate comfort food.
STEP ONE – Preparations
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray an 13×9-inch baking dish or a round casserole dish with canola spray.
- Get out a large pot and a colander.
- Get out a large glass measuring cup and a medium saucepan.
STEP TWO – Cook the Pasta
Ingredients:
¾ pound elbow pasta
Instructions:
- Fill the large pot with water, add a shake of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook for 1 less minute than directed.
- Drain in the colander, rinse briefly under cold water, and spoon into the baking dish.
STEP THREE – Make the Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups milk
1 cup vegetable broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions:
- In the large glass measuring cup, microwave the milk and broth for 2 minutes.
- In the medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk to combine.
- Slowly add the heated milk and broth and whisk well for 10 minutes until smooth and thick.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until incorporated.
STEP FOUR – Assemble and Bake
Ingredients:
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Combine the sauce with the pasta in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.
- Serve hot.
Recommended Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 protein, 2 fat
It’s a real winning recipe.
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That it is!
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Yum! This looks delicious 😋
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Thank you! It’s so good 😍
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A favorite dish I had to give up when my doctor cut cheese from my diet 😦
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Oh no! That must have been devastating! Hopefully there’s an alternative out there!
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I love this lighter version and the crunch on top! Looks so good ❤️
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Thank you! We’ve always found mac and cheese to be too heavy and cheesy but this version is light yet still just as tasty!
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Love mac and cheese! Looks so good!😍
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It’s a favorite of ours too! We’ve tried many recipes but this is by far the best one!
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Sounds amazing. What a great idea to add breadcrumbs 😍
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Thank you! The breadcrumbs make for a really delicious topping!
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Mac and cheese is a favorite comfort food. I definitely will try your recipe to lighten it up.
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Thank you—it’s a favorite for us too. We hope you enjoy our recipe!
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Love this recipe
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Thanks! Us too 🙂
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