Click for Cookbook LOGIN
"After all the trouble you go to, you get about as much actual "food" out of eating an artichoke as you would from licking 30 or 40 postage stamps."--Miss Piggy

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

  Tried it? Rate this Recipe:
 

 

This recipe for Baked Macaroni and Cheese is from THE SMYTH FAMILY TREE COOKBOOK , one of the cookbooks created at FamilyCookbookProject.com. We'll help you start your own personal cookbook! It's easy and fun. Click here to start your own cookbook!
Category:
Category:
Ingredients:  
Ingredients:  
3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 package (16 ounces) frozen spinach thawed
1¾ cups low-fat milk (divided)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni or penne
Directions:
Directions:
1. Put a large pot of water on to boil. Preheat oven to 450ºF. Coat an 8-inch-square (2 quarts) baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Mix breadcrumbs, oil, and paprika in a small bowl. Place spinach in a fine-mesh strainer and press out excess moisture.

3. Heat 1½ cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk remaining ¼ cup milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in cottage cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook pasta for 4 minutes, or until not quite tender. (It will continue to cook during baking.) Drain and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach on top. Top with the remaining pasta; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

5. Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.
Number Of Servings:
Number Of Servings:
4
Preparation Time:
Preparation Time:
55 minutes
Personal Notes:
Personal Notes:
Mac and cheese can be a true comfort on a gloomy day, and our healthy update takes advantage of extra-sharp Cheddar balanced with creamy low-fat cottage cheese and tucks a layer of spinach into the middle, which may help picky eaters down their vegetables. Whole wheat pasta adds robust flavor and extra fiber.

 

 

 

Learn more about the process to create a cookbook -- or
Start your own personal family cookbook right now!  Here's to good eating!

Search for more great recipes here from over 1,500,000 in our family cookbooks!

 

 

 

23W  

Cookbooks are great for Holiday Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Bridal Shower ideas and Family Reunions!

*Recipes and photos entered into the Family Cookbook Project are provided by the submitting contributors. All rights are retained by the contributor. Please contact us if you believe copyright violations have occurred.

Search for more great recipes here from over 1,500,000 in our family cookbooks!