Skillet Mac and Cheese

Health score
20%
Skillet Mac and Cheese
45 min.
6
414kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Skillet Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a timeless favorite that the whole family will adore. This dish combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional mac and cheese with the added goodness of cauliflower, making it a wholesome option for any meal. Ready in just 45 minutes and packed with protein, this hearty main course is perfect as a lunch, side dish, or cozy dinner. With every creamy bite, you can savor the perfectly melted cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, enhanced by a hint of heat from cayenne and a dash of paprika, making your taste buds dance with delight.

This recipe doesn't just satisfy cravings; it also addresses the desire for healthier comfort food. The combination of whole-wheat breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch on top, contrasting beautifully with the smooth, velvety cheese sauce beneath. It's a wonderful way to sneak in some vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, this Skillet Mac and Cheese will surely become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this feel-good dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Ingredients

  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • cups cauliflower florets 
  • 0.3 teaspoon ground pepper 
  • 1.3 cups bread crumbs whole-wheat
  • 1.5 cups elbow macaroni cooked for 3 minutes less than the package directions ( 3 cups
  • tablespoons flour all-purpose
  • ounce gruyere cheese shredded
  • cups milk 1% low-fat cold ()
  • teaspoons ground mustard 
  • teaspoons olive oil 
  • 0.8 teaspoon paprika 
  • tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • ounces cheddar cheese shredded extra-sharp

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • whisk
  • pot
  • steamer basket

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Place the cauliflower into a steamer basket fitted over the pot, cover, and steam until just tender, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the steamed cauliflower.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil.
  4. In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour is dissolved.
  5. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, mustard powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Add the chopped cauliflower and macaroni and stir until well coated.
  8. Spray an ovenproof 10-inch high-sided skillet with cooking spray.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared skillet.
  10. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake until the top is browned and the cheese is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.
  11. SERVING SIZE 1 1/4 cupsPER SERVING Calories 360; Total Fat 14 g (Sat Fat 8 g; Mono Fat 4.7 g; Poly Fat 0.8 g); Protein 20 g; Carb 40 g; Fiber 5 g; Cholesterol 40 mg; Sodium 540 mgEXCELLENT SOURCE OF Calcium, Iodine, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Protein, Riboflavin, Selenium, Vitamin CGOOD SOURCE OF Copper, Fiber, Folate, Iron, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Potassium, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Zinc
  12. Comfort Food Fix
  13. BEFORE540 cal., Sat. Fat 20g; Chol. 195mg; Fiber 1g, Sodium 940mgAFTER360 cal., Sat. Fat 8g; Chol. 40mg; Fiber 5g, Sodium 540mg
  14. Comfort Food Fix
  15. Reprinted with permission from Comfort Food Fix: Feel-Good Favorites Made Healthy by Ellie Krieger. Copyright © 2011 by Ellie Krieger; photography copyright @copy; 2011 by Quentin Bacon. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Nutrition Facts

Calories414kcal
Protein18.21%
Fat29.95%
Carbs51.84%

Properties

Glycemic Index
35.5
Glycemic Load
2.58
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
16.338695546855%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.03mg
Kaempferol
0.12mg
Quercetin
0.18mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:414.19kcal
20.71%
Fat:14.41g
22.18%
Saturated Fat:6.84g
42.75%
Carbohydrates:56.15g
18.72%
Net Carbohydrates:51.79g
18.83%
Sugar:8.36g
9.29%
Cholesterol:36.9mg
12.3%
Sodium:604.32mg
26.27%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:19.72g
39.43%
Selenium:35.73µg
51.05%
Calcium:404.11mg
40.41%
Phosphorus:365.86mg
36.59%
Vitamin C:20.68mg
25.07%
Manganese:0.45mg
22.54%
Vitamin B2:0.36mg
20.98%
Vitamin B12:1.08µg
17.99%
Fiber:4.37g
17.48%
Zinc:2.33mg
15.55%
Iron:2.55mg
14.15%
Vitamin A:693.34IU
13.87%
Magnesium:50.82mg
12.7%
Potassium:410.53mg
11.73%
Vitamin B6:0.22mg
10.81%
Vitamin B1:0.16mg
10.79%
Folate:41.43µg
10.36%
Vitamin D:1.48µg
9.87%
Vitamin B5:0.96mg
9.62%
Vitamin K:7.45µg
7.09%
Copper:0.14mg
6.99%
Vitamin B3:1.2mg
6.02%
Vitamin E:0.62mg
4.13%
Source:Epicurious