How To Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is more affordable.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the powdered milk is a cost-effective alternative.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while pecorino is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for cooking, while margarine is a cheaper fat option.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth; season with mustard, black pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce; mix well to coat.

In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of melted butter.

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish; sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

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