MAKEOVER CREAMY MAC & CHEESE

Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness-but is lighter on calories. -April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fat-free milk
3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
sliced cherry tomatoes and minced chives

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk flour, seasonings and half-and-half until smooth. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Add milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray., For optional topping, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture; top with cheese. , Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes . Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 354mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.