Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Baked Mac n Cheese Casserole

This comfort food would make anyone feel good after a long day at work. I dare you to not feel better after this cheesy dish!

1 lb shelled pasta
½ cup small cauliflower florets
½ cup small broccoli florets
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
(save a little cheese to top casserole before baking)
Dash of hot pepper flakes
½ cup diced precooked ham
Salt
Pepper

In a pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for about 6 minutes. During the last 2 minutes, add veggies, just to blanch.  

Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan heat butter over med-high heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Mix in cheese and pepper flakes until combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Drain pasta and veggies. Add to sauce pan with cheese sauce and mix to coat. Mix in ham. 

Add macaroni and cheese to a greased casserole. Top with extra cheese. Bake for 20 minutes on 400 degrees. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes: To lighten up this dish, use whole wheat pasta and nonfat milk.

1 comment:

  1. well, I thought I would make this healthier and triple the cauliflower...lets just say that i recommend following your recipe exactly.

    ReplyDelete