Ingredients and Weight:
- Macaroni noodles - 300g (10.5 oz)
- Cheddar cheese - 200g (7 oz)
- Low-fat milk - 500ml (16.9 fl oz)
- Butter - 50g (1.76 oz)
- Flour - 4 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Breadcrumbs - 50g (1.76 oz) for topping (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and mix well to make a roux (thickening agent).
- Pour in the low-fat milk gradually, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture into an oven-safe dish. Top with breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, let stand for a few minutes, then serve.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on provided ingredients)
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 20g
Dish Characteristics:
- A lighter version of the traditional macaroni and cheese, with a reduced-fat cheese sauce.
- The dish has a creamy, rich flavor with a slightly crunchy breadcrumb topping.
- It is suitable for those who are looking for a healthier option to the classic dish without sacrificing taste.
User Comments:
- "This is a great lighter version of macaroni and cheese! The flavor is rich and creamy without being too heavy." - John Doe
- "I love the breadcrumb topping! It adds a nice crunch to the dish." - Jane Smith
- "This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's easy to make and tastes delicious." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a low-fat milk to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste preference.
- If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the butter and use vegetable oil instead when making the roux.
