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Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Name: Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fat-free half-and-half; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups fat-free milk; 3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese; OPTIONAL TOPPING:; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cups soft bread crumbs; 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese; OPTIONAL GARNISH:; sliced cherry tomatoes and minced chives

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Mar. 17, 2022

Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas

Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fat-free milk
3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
sliced cherry tomatoes and minced chives

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk flour, seasonings and half-and-half until smooth. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Add milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
For optional topping, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture; top with cheese.
Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes . Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (calculated without optional topping): 343 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.

Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

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