Mac & Cheese for Two

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while evaporated milk is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Romano cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while Romano is often cheaper.

Start by measuring 1 cup of macaroni.

In a second pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts.

Add 2 ounces of cream cheese to the melted butter on low heat and stir until it melts completely.

Gradually add 1/2 cup of whole milk to the melted cream cheese and butter mixture, stirring continuously.

Use a wire whisk to combine the mixture thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the milk is hot, turn off the heat and begin adding almost 2 cups of shredded cheese (fiesta mix) a little at a time, stirring until melted.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more cold milk and turn the heat back on low to help melt the cheese.

Check the consistency of the cheese sauce; it should be nice and thin as it will thicken as it cools.

Drain the cooked macaroni and combine it with the cheese sauce, mixing well.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish.

Top with an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle with panko bread crumbs for crunch, if desired.

Place the dish in a toaster oven and bake for about 5 minutes, watching for the breadcrumbs to turn golden brown.

Remove from the oven once the cheese is melted and the top is crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens