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Low Sodium Mac and Cheese

Creamy low sodium mac and cheese flavored with herbs and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: low sodium mac and cheese
Servings: 10 1 cup
Calories: 398kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 2 cups Swiss cheese grated
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground black pepper divided
  • 2 tsp paprika divided
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 pound Cavatappi (or your favorite pasta)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Make Pasta: bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook until al dente/slightly firm. Do not over-boil. Strain pasta and set aside.
  • In another large pot, begin to form a roux by melting 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and begin to stir constantly in a circular motion with a wooden spoon or small rubber spatula. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes, or until thickened roux has formed. Take the pot off of the heat. Whisk in 2 cups of milk, adding gradually.
  • Add nutmeg, 1 ½ tsp black pepper, 1 ½ tsp paprika and ground mustard.
  • Slowly add sharp cheddar and swiss cheese into the mixture, stirring as you go. Optional: add an additional pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  • Add pasta to sauce mixture and stir until evenly combined. Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
  • Prepare toasted herbed breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix plain breadcrumbs with oregano, 1 tsp parsley, remaining ½ tsp paprika, and remaining 1 tsp black pepper. In a small skillet, melt a tbsp of butter over very low heat. Once melted, add breadcrumb mixture and stir over heat until slightly toasted, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Sprinkle bread crumbs over mac & cheese, and put in the oven.
  • Cook for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden-brown.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup serving): 402 calories, 36g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar, 21g fat, 12g saturated fat, 57mg cholesterol, 19g protein, 217mg sodium, 420mg calcium, 164mg potassium, 327mg phosphorus, 18mg oxalate