White Cheddar Bean Mac & Cheese

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White Cheddar Bean Mac and Cheese

White Cheddar Bean Mac & Cheese

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A classic mac and cheese with a boost of fibre! Elbow macaroni is baked in a creamy smoked white cheddar bean sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Serve with bacon bits and green onions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked (340 g)
  • 1 (19 oz) can white pea beans (navy beans), drained and rinsed (540 mL)
  • 1 1/2 cups 2% milk (375 mL)
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided (45 mL)
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped (small)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (15 mL)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (1 mL)
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (0.5 ml)
  • 2 1/2 cups grated smoked white cheddar cheese (625 mL)
  • Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs (175 mL)
  • Optional garnish: cooked bacon bits and chopped green onion

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

Cook macaroni al dente according to package directions. Strain and return to pot, set aside.

Pour beans into a colander or strainer, rinse with cold water. Transfer beans to a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add ½ cup (125 mL) of milk; process until smooth. Add another ½ cup (125 mL) milk and pulse until combined.

In a large skillet over medium heat melt 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Add puréed beans, Dijon mustard, nutmeg and cayenne pepper, stir to combine. Cook until bubbling, about 8 minutes. Add remaining milk, stir to combine. Add grated cheese, a ½ cup (125 mL) at a time, stirring until melted; continue until no cheese remains. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper. Transfer sauce into pot with macaroni, stir until combined. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish.

In a small microwave safe bowl, melt remaining 2 tbsp (30 mL) of butter. Add seasoned breadcrumbs, stir until moistened. Spread evenly over macaroni and bake 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot garnished with bacon bits and green onions if desired.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 servings
  • Calories: 487
  • Sugar: 4.1 g
  • Sodium: 715 mg
  • Fat: 20.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11.8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53.9 g
  • Fiber: 4.7 g
  • Protein: 22.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg