Gourmet Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Indulge in this lightened-up version of an all-time favorite: four-cheese baked macaroni! Inspired by Chef Juan Carlos Cruz, affectionately known as 'Calorie Commando' on Food Network, this decadent comfort dish offers the flavors you crave without the guilt. With a delicate blend of Fontina, Parmesan, fat-free cheddar, and Velveeta reduced-fat cheese, each bite is a cheesy dream. This macaroni pairs beautifully with grilled pork chops, seasoned green beans, and spiced apples, making it a perfect family meal. It's essential to note that this dish is not soupy; if you're a fan of creamier macaroni, feel free to add a splash more milk! A touch of salt and fresh ground pepper at the table elevates the dish even further, ensuring everyone at the table can customize their experience. Serve it hot, and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal that's sure to impress!
8
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing dish)
Salt
to taste (for boiling water and seasoning)
Elbow macaroni
3 cups (cooked until al dente)
All-purpose flour
1/3 cup (for thickening)
1% low-fat milk
2 1/3 cups (for the cheese sauce)
Shredded Fontina cheese
3/4 cup (for flavor)
Shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for richness)
Shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
Velveeta reduced-fat cheese product
4 ounces (for smooth texture)
Japanese-style bread crumbs (panko)
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
3
In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil and generously salt the water.
4
Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
5
In a large saucepan, combine the all-purpose flour and 1% low-fat milk, whisking until well blended to avoid lumps.
6
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, until it thickens.
7
Once thickened, lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded Fontina, Parmesan, fat-free cheddar, and reduced-fat Velveeta until completely melted and creamy.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat, and carefully fold in the cooked macaroni along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
9
Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle Japanese-style bread crumbs (panko) over the top to create a delicious crust.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
36.25g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni?
It is a lightened-up version of the classic comfort dish that uses a blend of four different cheeses to provide rich flavor with fewer calories and less fat.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Chef Juan Carlos Cruz, known as the 'Calorie Commando' on the Food Network.
Which four cheeses are used in this recipe?
The dish features a blend of shredded Fontina, shredded Parmesan, fat-free cheddar, and reduced-fat Velveeta cheese product.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This recipe is low in fat, containing only 2.5 grams per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the macaroni need to bake?
Bake the macaroni for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
What kind of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of elbow macaroni cooked until al dente.
Can I make the macaroni creamier?
Yes, if you prefer a creamier or more soupy texture, you can add a splash more milk to the mixture.
What sides pair well with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with grilled pork chops, seasoned green beans, and spiced apples.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding the macaroni mixture.
What type of milk is used in the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses 2 1/3 cups of 1% low-fat milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the all-purpose flour and milk together in a saucepan until well blended before heating.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
Japanese-style bread crumbs, also known as panko, are sprinkled over the top to create a crust.
How should the macaroni be prepared before mixing with the sauce?
Boil it in salted water until al dente, drain, and then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Is the final dish supposed to be soupy?
No, this version is not intended to be soupy, but the texture can be adjusted with extra milk if desired.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
What ingredient acts as a thickening agent?
One-third cup of all-purpose flour is used to thicken the milk and cheese sauce.
Should I add extra salt and pepper?
While the recipe includes some salt, adding fresh ground pepper and extra salt at the table is recommended to customize the flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 primary ingredients, including the pasta, cheeses, milk, and bread crumbs.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 36.25 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Does this recipe include Velveeta?
Yes, it uses 4 ounces of Velveeta reduced-fat cheese product to ensure a smooth texture.
Is the cheddar used in this recipe fat-free?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served hot, but it is best to let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a great comforting meal for children and adults alike.
What is the role of Fontina cheese in this dish?
Fontina cheese is included specifically to enhance the overall flavor profile of the macaroni.
What is the role of Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is added to provide a sense of richness to the sauce.
How do you create the golden crust on top?
The golden crust is created by sprinkling panko bread crumbs on top and baking until the cheese is bubbly.