Description
This Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe offers a lighter take on the classic comfort dish, using skim milk and olive oil to keep it nutritious without compromising on creamy, cheesy flavor. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and herbed to perfection, it’s perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- ¾ cup onion, diced
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free)
- 1 – 1½ cups skim milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Make Cheese Sauce: In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring frequently until it forms a thick paste. Slowly pour in skim milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared cheese sauce thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare and Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Use skim milk to keep the recipe light; however, whole milk will make the sauce richer if preferred.
- Adjust the cheese types and quantities according to your taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
- The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch but can be omitted for a softer finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
