Not-So-Naughty Macaroni & Cheese

kolleen1021's Note:

This is my adaptation of baked mac & cheese. I trimmed it down to better adhere to my diet plan and thought others out there craving their carby, cheesy fix might appreciate this lighter version.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 8.0

• 16 ounces whole wheat pasta (shells, elbows, rotini, etc.)
• 2 (10 ounce) cans condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 12 ounces fat-free evaporated milk
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/8 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• black pepper, freshly gound
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 3 dashes hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
2. In a large bowl, combine everything except the shredded cheese.
3. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically, until the butter is melted.
4. Stir until smooth.
5. Drain the macaroni and add to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
6. In a lightly oiled 9x13 pan, layer 1/2 of the macaroni mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat with the other half of the noodles, finishing with shredded cheese on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and browned to your liking.
9. NOTE: I have experimented with different combinations of cheese. Cheddar is a great standby, but try adding a little pepper jack to the mix, or even a little bit of bleu for some bite.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

Seems like I'm always making mac & cheese for a housebound neighbor couple, but they do love the stuff! And since I do cook & bake for them from time to time & they love the stuff, well . . . This recipe gave me a chance to prepare a very nice, satisfying variation, & they loved it totally, as did the 2 of us, since I kept two servings here for us to sample! I'll be making this one again, for sure! Thanks for sharing it! [Made & reviewed in Healthy Choices ABC recipe tag]