Macaroni and Four Cheeses

Cooking spray
One 16-ounce box elbow macaroni
Two 10-ounce packages frozen pureed winter squash
2 cups low-fat milk
1 1/3 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
2/3 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (2 ounces)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the macaroni according the package directions. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk in a large saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Jack cheese, ricotta, salt, mustard, and cayenne. Pour this mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine.

Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheeses are bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

Makes 8 servings
Serving size: 2 cups

Per Serving:
Calories 390; Total fat 11g (Sat fat 6g, Mono fat 1g, Poly fat 0.5g); Protein 18g; Carb 56g; Fiber 3.5g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 547mg

Excellent source of: calcium, folate, manganese, niacin selenium, thiamin, vitamin A
Good source of: fiber, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin

Copyright 2008 Ellie Krieger All rights reserved


9 comments (Add your own)

1. Gia wrote:
My family loves this recipe! My kids are mac n cheese lovers but it's such an unhealthy recipe that I only make it for holiday meals. With Ellie's recipe, I can feel good about making mac n cheese much more frequently. My son, who is very picky, loves it! This is a real winner!! Thanks, Ellie!

Sun, January 1, 2012 @ 2:47 PM

2. Tracey wrote:
This looks great! If I wanted to cut the recipe in half ...what size pan should I use..and should I reduce the cook time?

Tue, January 3, 2012 @ 2:00 PM

3. Ellie Krieger wrote:
Hi Tracey,
Use an 8x8 square pan and check it 10 minutes early- look that the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
Enjoy!
Ellie

Thu, January 5, 2012 @ 12:07 PM

4. Cindy wrote:
Could this dish be frozen???

Sat, January 7, 2012 @ 2:07 PM

5. Terry wrote:
This is sooooo good. And my very picky eaters (and Mac and cheese connoisseurs) could not taste any difference. Yummy!

Sun, January 8, 2012 @ 5:19 PM

6. Joanna wrote:
My family love macaroni cheese and this is a great recipe. I also add some broccoli ! Cut a head of broccoli into small florets steam for 3 to 4 mins and space evenly around the dish just before adding the breadcrumb topping mmmmm

Thanks Ellie ... for all your Fabulous recipes.

Wed, January 11, 2012 @ 3:24 AM

7. Ellie Krieger wrote:
Hi Cindy,
I have yet to try and freeze this dish but my concerns are that the breadcrumb topping may not be as crunchy and the sauce may not fare well. If you try it, I'd love to hear how it turns out!
Cheers,
Ellie

Wed, January 18, 2012 @ 12:50 PM

8. jeanne howald wrote:
Hi Ellie....thanks for all your fabulous recipes!
Also, I have been a big fan of your cooking shows on tv, but after watching you for so long on food network, you hopped over to the cooking channel, which unfortunately I don't get on my cable at home...I am so disappointed! Do you have any "cooking videos" that I can purchase online? Thanks, Jeanne Howald

Fri, April 20, 2012 @ 7:27 PM

9. Ellie Krieger wrote:
Hi Jeanne,

Thanks for your comment- I'm so glad to hear that you enjoy my cooking show.

If you go to the "Watch" section of my website, you will find some of my recent videos. Here is the link: http://www.elliekrieger.com/watch

Cheers,
Ellie

Thu, May 3, 2012 @ 11:20 AM

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