Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe courtesy of The Best of Cooking Light, 2004


This classic is updated from the original version.  You can use regular Gouda, Swiss, or any other cheese that melts well.  This is my favorite mac n cheese recipe with only 400 calories and 10 grams of fat per serving.

1 (1 ounce) slice whole wheat bread
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1/3 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
5 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
4 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 uncooked)
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place bread in a food processor;pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs measure 1/2 cup.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add sliced onions and minced garlic, and cook 1 minute.  Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly with a whisk until blended.  Bring to boil, and cook until thick (about 2 minutes).  Remove from heat, and add cheeses, stirring until melted.
4.Add spinach and macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring until well blended.  Spoon mixture into a 2 quart baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until bubbly.

Serves 4