Lighter Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Lighter Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: 2 cups small dry elbow macaroni, cooked and drained; Cooking spray; 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 cups low-fat (1%) milk; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Pinch of ground red pepper (cayenne); Dash of Worcestershire sauce; 2 ounces Neufchatel reduced-fat cream cheese; 8 ounces sharp light cheddar, grated ÷d (about 2 cups); 1/3 cup Italian-flavored or plain dry breadcrumbs

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Serves: 8

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information: +

Total Calories		270
Total Fat		8g
Choloesterol		25mg
Sodium		410mg
Total Carbohydrates		32g
	Dietary Fiber	1g
	Total Sugars	5g
	Added Sugars	0g
Protein		15g
Vitamin D		0.8mcg
Calcium		355mg
Iron		1mg
Potassium		192mg

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About Lighter Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this Lighter Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this dish brings all the rich flavors you love in a classic mac and cheese but with a lighter twist. Each forkful is filled with tender pasta coated in a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that satisfies your cravings while being mindful of a healthier approach. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this lighter version offers the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, without overindulgence.

Ingredients

2 cups small dry elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

Cooking spray

3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

2 cups low-fat (1%) milk

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pinch of ground red pepper (cayenne)

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

2 ounces Neufchatel reduced-fat cream cheese

8 ounces sharp light cheddar, grated ÷d (about 2 cups)

1/3 cup Italian-flavored or plain dry breadcrumbs

Preparation

01 Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2 ½-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

02In a large saucepan over medium heat, add flour and gradually whisk in the milk. Add mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper and Worcestershire. Continue cooking until sauce thickens, stirring constantly.

03Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until well blended; add 2/3 of shredded cheese and stir until melted. Add macaroni, stirring until well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish.

04 Toss remaining shredded cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over top of macaroni; spray with cooking spray.Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling throughout.