This Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese is a lightened-up version of a comfort food classic. It's rich, creamy, cheesy, and topped off with crispy, golden-brown breadcrumbs.
2 cups + 1cupshredded cheddar cheeselow fat if desired
⅓cupPanko 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 9x13" 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.
Video
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.
Tips:
Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses contain an anti-caking agent that can result in a gritty texture. I highly recommend shredding your own cheese for ultimate creaminess.
Cook the pasta al dente. Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures that it keeps its structure even as it bakes.
Rinse the pasta. After the pasta is cooked, give it a good rinse under cold water. This removes excess starch and stops the cooking process so it stays al dente.
Storage:Leftover Baked Mac and Cheese will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in a baking dish in the oven topped with fresh breadcrumbs or in smaller portions in the microwave. I don't recommend freezing this dish because the texture of the cheese sauce will be affected.