Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese
Every so often I have a craving for macaroni and cheese. This especially happens during cold, rainy weather, which we had this week even though we are nearing the end of May. I have tried many different methods of preparing macaroni and cheese, and this simple recipe is the result of those efforts. You make a roux as the base for the cheese sauce, which melts wonderfully and coats each piece of pasta with creamy, cheesy flavor. Whole wheat breadcrumbs with just a bit of melted butter mixed in create a wonderfully simple and tasty topping. My only apology is that the picture does not do the pasta justice- I have not yet learned how to take a good photo of macaroni and cheese!
Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (uncooked) whole wheat rotini pasta
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water. It’s best to have the pasta slightly undercooked, since it will cook more in the oven. Drain the pasta and place it back into the cooking pot.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, tear bread into large pieces and place in food processor. Pulse a few times to form small crumbs. Place the breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, and stir 1 tablespoon of it into the breadcrumbs. Whisk the flour into the remaining melted butter over medium heat. Continue whisking about 1-2 minutes so that the flour taste cooks off a bit. Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture is brought to a boil and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir the grated cheddar into the milk mixture until it evenly melts. Stir the cheese mixture into the pasta. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top of the pasta with the breadcrumbs. Bake 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Makes 4-5 Servings
Recipe is a Kristine’s Kitchen original.
Will have to try this Mac and Cheese recipe soon!
Thanks for posting.
KR
Whole wheat pasta teamed with cheddar is a great idea!
Thank you!
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