Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese that has melted cheese being spooned up to be served!

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese, using low-calorie ingredients reduces fat but the cheesy flavor is still amazing! A favorite one pan comfort dish for kids and adults.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Comfort Food, cooking for a crowd

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 25

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 366kcal

Author Eileen xo

Ingredients

1 pound high fiber pasta shells Note 1
4 teaspoons unsalted butter
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour Note 2
4 cups 2% milk Note 3
2 cups low-fat cheddar cheese
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup Colby Cheese
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
⅓ cup plain panko bread crumbs

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, set aside.
Cook pasta according to package, reduce cooking time by 4 minutes.
In a medium pot, over medium heat, melt butter. Add in the flour and whisk for about 2-3 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high, add the milk, continue to whisk until mixture becomes thick and bubbly. The mixture should be able to coat a spoon when thick enough.
Add the cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine until smooth.
In the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and the cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the top with the Panko breadcrumbs.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 - 20 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and continue to bake about 5-10 minutes. Ready to serve.

Notes

Note 1: Use your pasta of choice, gluten-free pasta works well also.

Nutrition