Healthier Homemade Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Contains: milk, wheat (auto-detected from the ingredients and method; we can miss things, so check labels)

• 1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat macaroni (such as Smart Taste ®)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 pinch paprika

Directions

Method written by CompKitchen from the ingredient list. Not the original author's method, not kitchen-tested.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of boiling water to a boil, add the whole wheat macaroni, and cook until just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the first 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

3. Slowly whisk in the milk. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon, about 5 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Cheddar until melted and smooth, then stir in most of the Parmesan. Fold in the drained macaroni until coated.

5. Spread the macaroni in a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small pan, melt the second 2 tablespoons of butter, stir in the bread crumbs and paprika, then sprinkle over the top with the remaining Parmesan.

6. Bake uncovered until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.