HEALTHY MAC & CHEESE WITH BECHAMEL-CHEDDAR SAUCE

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Healthy Mac & Cheese With Bechamel-Cheddar Sauce image

Developed this recipe on my own, inspired by multiple recipes I found online. The evaporated milk helps the cheese sauce stay creamy and not curdle when cooked. 100% whole wheat pasta and bread give this recipe a healthy take that adults and children will love!

Provided by Silly_Mommy

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups whole wheat pasta
3 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup monterey jack cheese
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 slices whole wheat bread
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

  • In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add macaroni, bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-high heat until al dente (a little less than fully cooked). Set aside ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and immediately rinse with cold water.
  • In the same pot used for the macaroni, melt butter and add flour. Whisk until mixture looks like a paste and is light beige in color. Slowly pour in evaporated milk while whisking, and continue until fully incorperated. Simmer and stir for another 3-4 minutes for sauce to thicken Stir in nutmeg, mustard, and salt.
  • Remove from heat and add cheese and pasta water. Continue stiring until cheese is fully melted. Pour macaroni back into and stir until fully mixed with sauce.
  • (This step is for topping.) Break apart bread in large peices and pulse in food processor with melted butter until bread is in small crumbs. Mix with cheese and cayenne pepper and set aside.
  • Pour macaroni mixture into a 9x13 casserole dishes and spread bread/cheese mixture over the top.
  • Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
  • Remove from oven when top is slightly browned and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Laxmi seengh seengh
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This is the best mac and cheese recipe I've ever tried! The bechamel sauce is so smooth and creamy, and the cheddar cheese adds a delicious sharp flavor. I'll definitely be making this again and again.


Mitho Kumar
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This recipe is a keeper! The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and had just the right amount of spice. I loved that it was a healthier version of the classic dish.


Vivo Y67
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This mac and cheese was a hit with my family! The kids loved the creamy cheese sauce, and the adults appreciated the healthy twist. I'll definitely be adding this to my regular rotation of meals.


khalid smile
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I'm not a big fan of mac and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind. The bechamel sauce is so smooth and creamy, and the cheddar cheese adds a delicious sharp flavor. I'll definitely be making this again!


Rachid elouadouni
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This recipe is a lifesaver! I'm not the best cook, but this mac and cheese turned out perfectly. It's creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice. I'll definitely be making this again.


Sajan Basnet
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This mac and cheese is delicious! The bechamel sauce is so rich and creamy, and the cheddar cheese adds a perfect sharp flavor. I love that it's a healthier version of the classic dish.


Marvin RamirezG
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and the mac and cheese is always creamy and cheesy. I've made it several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


Thuvarakan Thuvarakan
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This recipe was easy to follow and the mac and cheese turned out delicious. I used whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk to make it a healthier option. It was a hit with my family!


Ruqiyo Xasan madar
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I'm not sure what went wrong, but my mac and cheese turned out dry and bland. I followed the recipe exactly, but it just didn't come together. Maybe I'll try it again with a different recipe.


Braxton TacocatYT
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This recipe is a keeper! The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and had just the right amount of spice. I loved that it was a healthier version of the classic dish.


Rashad Lyons
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This is the best mac and cheese recipe I've ever tried! The bechamel sauce is so smooth and creamy, and the cheddar cheese adds a delicious sharp flavor. I'll definitely be making this again and again.


Harish Mahara
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I followed the recipe exactly, and my mac and cheese turned out perfectly. It was creamy, cheesy, and had just the right amount of crunch from the bread crumbs. I'll definitely be making this again!


Maryjo Jensen
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This mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food. It's cheesy, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy. I love that it's a healthier version of the classic dish.


seediq ullah sahak
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I was skeptical about this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I tried it. The bechamel sauce is amazing, and the cheddar cheese adds just the right amount of flavor. I'll definitely be making this again!


Harka kulung
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This dish was a hit with my family! The kids loved the creamy cheese sauce, and the adults appreciated the healthy twist. I'll definitely be adding this to my regular rotation of meals.


tyler brown
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I'm not a huge fan of mac and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind! The bechamel sauce is so smooth and cheesy, and the cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. I'll definitely be making this again.


Abena Sugar
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This mac and cheese is a game-changer! The bechamel sauce makes it so creamy and flavorful. I added some extra sharp cheddar and smoked paprika for a little kick. Definitely a new favorite in my house!