Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Mar. 17, 2022
Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas
Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fat-free half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups fat-free milk
  • 3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
  • OPTIONAL TOPPING:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cups soft bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • OPTIONAL GARNISH:
  • sliced cherry tomatoes and minced chives

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
  2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk flour, seasonings and half-and-half until smooth. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Add milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  3. For optional topping, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture; top with cheese.
  4. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes . Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (calculated without optional topping): 343 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.