Description
This Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe offers a deliciously creamy and cheesy comfort food made with wholesome ingredients and baked to golden perfection. Featuring elbow macaroni combined with a rich cheese sauce of cheddar and parmesan, enhanced with aromatic herbs and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish is an ideal family meal that balances flavor and nutrition in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- ¾ cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 – 1½ cups skim milk
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Breadcrumb Topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a thick paste. Slowly pour in the skim milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Mix until well blended.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a richer sauce, substitute skim milk with 2% or whole milk.
- To add extra flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder into the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
