Healthy family recipe: Mac-n-cheese bites
Traditional mac-n-cheese can have a significant amount of calories and fat. Try this version, for about half the calories and fat, but all of the flavor.
Traditional mac-n-cheese can have a significant amount of calories and fat. Try this version, for about half the calories and fat, but all of the flavor. They are sure to be a hit with the whole house!
Mac-n-cheese bites
Ingredients:
3 cups of cooked whole wheat macaroni
1 tablespoon of light butter spread (such as Brummell and Brown or I Can't believe its Not Butter Light)
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of black pepper
2 teaspoons of onion powder
½ cup of reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 egg white
1 ½ cups of frozen spinach, thawed and drained in a strainer
Or you can use 1 ½ cups of cooked broccoli, chopped!
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray cooking spray in a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside.
2. In a small sauce pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and mix together until thick.
3. Stir in the milk and garlic and raise the temperature to bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the cheeses and whisk mixture together until a cheese sauce forms in the sauce pot.
5.Remove the sauce from the heat and then mix in the egg and egg white until combined.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the cooked spinach, cheese sauce, onion powder, and pepper, and mix together.
7. Pour 2 spoon-full of the macaroni mixture into the muffin cups.
8. Sprinkle the top of each muffin tin with parmesan cheese
9. Bake in the oven, on the middle-top rack, for 20 minutes.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes
11. Serve and enjoy
Serves: 12
Quick Tips:
Adding ½ teaspoon of your favorite seasoning can add a burst of flavor!
You can always add lemon pepper or chili powder for a little spice!
Adapted Recipe from emilybites.com