Extracted from Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker Book by Nathan Anthony (Ebury Press, £18.99) Photography by Clare Wilkinson
Healthy Slow-Cooker Garlic Mac & Cheese
This is a simple, fuss-free way to make mac & cheese at home in one pot, saving time but never compromising on flavour
This is proper comfort food to fill you up on a cold winter night. I use low-fat butter as you might as well save on calories where you can! Mac & cheese puts a smile on everyone's face.
Serves
4
Ingredients
- 400g dried macaroni pasta
- 725ml semi-skimmed milk
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 130g Cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
- 100g low-fat butter
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- handful of breadcrumbs (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- chopped chives, to garnish
Method
Place all the ingredients, except the Parmesan and breadcrumbs, in the slow cooker, stir and season to taste. Cook on low for one hour 20 minutes. Stir well, add the Parmesan and a little extra milk if it needs loosening up, then cook for another 20-25 minutes.
If you like a crispy topping and you have an ovenproof slow cooker pot, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta and cook under a preheated grill until golden. Garnish with chopped chives.
