Name: Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H25M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H45M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H10M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs, (see Tip); 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 16-ounce or 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed; 1 3/4 cups low-fat milk, divided; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni, or penne

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.

Mix breadcrumbs, oil and paprika in a small bowl. Place spinach in a fine-mesh strainer and press out excess moisture.

Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk remaining 1/4 cup milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in cottage cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Cook pasta for 4 minutes, or until not quite tender. (It will continue to cook during baking.) Drain and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach on top. Top with the remaining pasta; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, if necessary, then bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Tip: To make fresh breadcrumbs, trim crusts from whole-wheat bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice of bread makes about 1/2 cup fresh crumbs. For dry breadcrumbs, spread the fresh crumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 250degreesF until crispy, about 15 minutes. One slice of fresh bread makes about 1/3 cup dry crumbs. Or use prepared coarse dry breadcrumbs. We like Ian's brand labeled "Panko breadcrumbs." Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 576 calories; 22 g fat (11 g sat, 2 g mono); 69 mg cholesterol; 63 g carbohydrates; 37 g protein; 9 g fiber; 917 mg sodium; 403 mg potassium.

Baked Mac and Cheese

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