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Indulge in a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort without the guilt with this 5-point Weight Watchers Baked Mac and Cheese. The secret to making this dish lighter lies in using whole-grain pasta and reduced-fat Velveeta, creating a satisfying, lower-point meal without sacrificing flavor. The cheese sauce, made with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and just a hint of Velveeta, brings that luxurious richness you love. Plus, the crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making this dish as delicious as it is visually appealing. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this healthier mac and cheese is sure to impress!
Get the Recipe Here: Weight Watchers Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients in WW Baked Mac and Cheese
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For WW Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll need 8 oz of whole-grain penne (or another whole-grain pasta shape) to form the base. For the creamy sauce, combine ¾ cup of fat-free milk or unsweetened almond milk with 1 tbsp of light butter substitute. Stir in 2.5 oz of reduced-fat Velveeta cheese, along with ½ cup of fat-free shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor. Season with 1 tsp of kosher salt, ¼ tsp of black pepper, ½ tsp of onion powder, ½ tsp of garlic powder, ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and ¼ tsp of dried mustard for a savory kick. Top with 3 tbsp of panko breadcrumbs before baking to create a crispy, golden crust.
Preheat and Prepare the Dish
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish or similar size. Mix the two shredded cheeses together and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
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In a large saucepan, combine milk, butter substitute, seasonings, and Velveeta cheese. Cook over medium heat until it gently simmers, the Velveeta melts, and the sauce becomes smooth (it will be thin at this point).
Boil the Pasta
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While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
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Stir half of the shredded cheese into the sauce until it just melts. Be careful not to overmix, as it can clump. Remove from heat. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently mix. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Assemble the Dish
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Pour half of the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with most of the remaining cheese, leaving some for the top. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
Bake and Brown
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Cover the dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted in the center. For a golden top, broil on low for the last few minutes to brown the cheese and breadcrumbs.
Variations and Substitutions
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To perfect your Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese, I recommend blanching the broccoli and using smaller florets before mixing them in, ensuring they cook evenly during baking. For milk, unsweetened almond milk, 2% milk, or even fat-free evaporated milk are all good options, offering flexibility without sacrificing taste. For an ultra-creamy sauce, try adding 1-2 oz of lower-fat cream cheese to the Velveeta while melting it. You can also get creative with add-ins like bacon bits, chopped jalapenos, bell peppers, caramelized onions, or shredded chicken; just be sure to slightly increase the sauce if adding a lot of mix-ins.
Tips and Tricks for Making Baked Mac and Cheese
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When making Weight Watchers Baked Mac and Cheese, store any leftovers in an airtight container or covered with foil/plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and extra shredded cheese to refresh its texture. Feel free to experiment with any fat-free shredded cheeses, though a combination of mozzarella and cheddar works well, or you can use all cheddar. Don’t skip the Velveeta, as it thickens the sauce and adds creaminess, helping bind the other cheeses and eliminating the need for a roux. Be cautious not to over-bake, as this can dry out the mac and cheese, and avoid undercooking the pasta, as it will absorb all the sauce. If you’re concerned about salt, start with half the amount, as the sauce may seem slightly salty before baking but will mellow out once everything melds together.
Get the Recipe Here: Weight Watchers Baked Mac and Cheese
