Smart Baked Mac & Cheese With a Kick Recipe

Name: Smart Baked Mac & Cheese With a Kick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni (we use Dreamfields); 3 tablespoons Smart Balance butter spread; 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour; 1 tablespoon mustard powder; 3 cups nonfat milk; 14-½ cup onion, diced; 1 bay leaf; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste); 1 dash chili powder (or to taste); 1 dash cumin; 1 dash hot sauce (to taste); 1 egg; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (we like to use a combination of cheddar and pepper jack); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; pepper

Servings: persons

12 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni (we use Dreamfields)
3 tablespoons Smart Balance butter spread
3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon mustard powder
3 cups nonfat milk
14-½ cup onion, diced
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 dash chili powder (or to taste)
1 dash cumin
1 dash hot sauce (to taste)
1 egg
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (we like to use a combination of cheddar and pepper jack)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
pepper

1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2
Cook pasta in large pot of salted water to al dente.
3
Drain pasta and leave to cool.
4
To begin the roux, melt butter in seperate medium pot.
5
Whisk in flour and mustard, stirring while cooking for about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the milk and continue cooking and stirring until liquid begins to thicken.
7
Then stir in onion, bay leaf, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin and hot sauce.
8
Let simmer for ten minutes, stirring frequently.
9
Remove the bay leaf.
10
In small bowl, whisk egg until smooth and temper into the roux.
11
Stir in 3/4 of the cheese.
12
Stir until cheese is melted and egg is mixed throughout.
13
Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper.
14
Pour half the cooked macaroni into 2 quart casserole dish.
15
Pour half the cheese sauce over the macaroni.
16
Pour remainder of macaroni in casserole dish and top with remaining cheese sauce.
17
Mix well and sprinke leftover cheese on top.
18
*If a topping is desired, melt 2-3 TBSP Smart Balance and mix with 3/4 cup whole wheat or Panko bread crumbs.
19
Sprinkle over top of macaroni.
20
*.
21
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
22
Remove from over and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

727

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 12 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni (we use Dreamfields), 3 tablespoons Smart Balance butter spread, 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon mustard powder, and more.

Yes, Smart Baked Mac & Cheese With a Kick falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Smart Baked Mac & Cheese With a Kick

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions