Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 375 grams whole wheat macaroni ( (about 3 cups dry)); ¼ cup butter or margarine; ¼ cup all purpose flour; 1 ½ cups 1% milk; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 2 cups + 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (low fat if desired); ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs

written by Ashley Fehr

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5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Servings 6 servings

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Published on January 2, 2017 / Last updated on January 18, 2022

This Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese is made with whole wheat pasta, low fat milk, and chicken broth but is just as creamy and cheese as ever! It’s a great make ahead meal for those busy weeknights! With a how-to recipe video

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healthier baked mac and cheese on grey plate with fork and crispy topping

It’s that time of year again: Comfort Food Season!

Yes, we all love summer, and it will return! But for now? Healthier comfort food is where it’s at.

overhead image of pan of baked mac and cheese with some macaroni on metal scoop

I think the best part about winter is those miserable days where you can just curl up in some sweats, by the fire, with a vat of mac and cheese or soup or chili. I have to say, it gets me a little excited when I know I don’t have to venture out in it!

For me, if we could have just one or two months of winter and snow, and a couple more months of fall I would be ecstatic. But since I’m not going to get my pick anytime soon, here is some mac and cheese.

plate of mac and cheese with fresh parsley and fork on the side

For now, my goal is to bring you some healthier versions of my favorite cold-weather comfort foods, along with some extra special treats for the holidays (they balance each other out, right?!?). I hope you are ready for all the delicious things to come!

close up square image of baked mac and cheese on a plate

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Ingredients

375 grams whole wheat macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
¼ cup butter or margarine
¼ cup all purpose flour
1 ½ cups 1% milk
1 ½ cups chicken broth
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 cups + 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese low fat if desired
⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions (you want it al dente or a little undercooked, as it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and rinse under cold water.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (if baking right away)
Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and paprika and cook 1 minute.
Whisk in milk and chicken broth and cook over medium heat, whisking often, until thickened (about 5-6 minutes).
Stir in 2 cups cheese until melted. Add pasta to sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Pour into a lightly greased 9×13" baking dish and top with remaining cheese and Panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top if desired.

Notes

*TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare up until baking. Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until hot.
**Please note: Nutrition information is calculated with margarine and low fat shredded cheese.

Nutrition Information

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese