Mealtime Makeover: Mac and Cheese

Make this dish healthier by using low-fat milk and evaporated skim milk, whole-wheat elbow macaroni, and reduced-fat cheeses.

Prep time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. In large Dutch oven or stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and set aside.
2. In small bowl, take 2 tbsp. of the measured 1% milk and mix with cornstarch until it's dissolved.
3. Add remaining 1% milk and evaporated skim milk to empty Dutch oven. Mix in the milk and cornstarch and cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture bubbles and starts to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 4 minutes until mixture is creamy. Remove from heat and gradually stir in salt, seasonings and cheeses until cheese is melted and uniform.
4. Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture, stirring to make sure that all noodles are coated.
5. Transfer macaroni and cheese into a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Bake at 350? Fahrenheit (176? Celsius) for 20 to 30 minutes, until cheese sauce is bubbly.
7. Let the dish stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Serves: 6

Serving size: 2/3 cup

Nutritional analysis (per serving):

Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2005

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2008 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.