Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Name: Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10 servings.
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

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min. YIELD: 10 servings.

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

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.