healthier homemade mac and cheese

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat macaroni (such as smart taste ®)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 pinch paprika

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Ready Time: 50 mins


• preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. drain.
• melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. stir in flour to make a roux. slowly add milk to roux, stirring constantly. stir in cheddar and parmesan cheeses and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is thick, about 3 minutes. place macaroni in large baking dish and pour sauce over macaroni. stir well.
• melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. add breadcrumbs and stir until butter is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. spread over macaroni to cover. sprinkle with paprika.
• bake in preheated oven until cheese sauce is hot and breadcrumbs are browned, about 30 minutes.