It doesn't have to be a boxed dinner to be a kid's favourite! Make this simple, creamy homemade mac & cheese on the stovetop with only a few healthy ingredients.
Stick with us if you thought homemade mac and cheese was too difficult, or if the notion of cooking a roux makes you want to go back to packaged mac and cheese. You'll be glad you took the time to do so. Because if you have a tried-and-true homemade mac & cheese recipe, you'll always have a crowd-pleasing dinner option for all ages.
Mac and cheese made at home is healthy because it's created by you! & using simple, whole-food ingredients is the secret to making a nutritious mac and cheese.
Another mac and cheese nutrition tip: treat this dish as a main course rather than a side dish. Kids will get plenty of complex carbs and protein from mac and cheese (seriously!), so you can focus on fresh veggie sides instead. For balance, serve roasted or steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or cut fruit.
Ingredients
1 pound whole wheat pasta macaroni, rotini, or other short chunky shape
4 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoon white whole wheat flour
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces sharp cheddar you may use a blend of cheeses if you like.
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Boil a large pot of water for the pasta and cook as directed. Grate cheese and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until bubbles form and the roux begins to thicken.
Add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and continue whisking until the cream sauce starts to thicken. (You may need to turn the heat up slightly if your milk is cold.)
Add cheese by the handful and whisk between handfuls to melt. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Pour sauce over cooked, drained pasta and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 354mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
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