It isn't often I use the phrases "macaroni and cheese" and "gourmet" in the same sentence, but this recipe for macaroni and cheese is really worthy of gourmet treatment. Try it, and I promise, you'll never go back to the yellow box again.
Even better: This rich and creamy comfort food is made with non-fat milk and non-fat sour cream. But shhh...don't tell your guests. They wouldn't believe you anyway.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Souffle
- 1 12 oz. package fully-cooked turkey meatballs
- 1 cup non-fat (skim) milk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 Tbsp. dry white wine
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 8 oz. good-quality shaped pasta, such as Rao's bow-ties or macaroni
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp. Maldon sea salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with nonstick spray. Slice meatballs in half and place, cut side down, evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
Heat milk in a microwave safe dish or cup 1-2 minutes or until it becomes hot, but not boiling. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3-5 minutes until softened. Add 2 Tbsp. of the white wine and continue stirring and cooking until onion becomes golden brown. Sprinkle flour over onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, another 3-4 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Whisk in milk all at once. Return pan to stove and continue cooking another 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in remaining tablespoon of wine. Remove from heat and add the sour cream and 1-3/4 cups of cheese. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Return pasta to pot and pour cheese sauce over top. Mix thoroughly. Beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Fold into macaroni and cheese mixture, one-third to one-half at a time. Pour over meatballs in prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes or until top is brown and bubbly.
Serves 8.
Per serving: 375 calories, 17 g fat (9 g saturated), 62 mg cholesterol, 31 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 23 g protein, 12% Vitamin A, 3% Vitamin C, 39% calcium, 12% iron
See also: Healthy Macaroni and Cheese
