No Boil Baked Mac N’ Cheese
Anybody need a quick, family meal or something for meal prep? I’ve got your back! This classic dish has taken on a healthier spin that’ll allow you to eat until your heart’s content and leave you still feeling at your best. It can easily be made dairy, grain, gluten, + nut-free, plus vegan +paleo , if desired. All of the tender noodles of choice lie underneath an (optional), easy walnut-based crumble packed with fiber and omega-3 fats. No matter what is used, the creamy, spiced cheeses will engulf the noodles and this dish likely won’t make it to the fridge!
Ingredients:
Base:
2 cups noodles of choice (I used these!)
1.5 cups goats milk cheddar style cheese, diced very small
1 cup goat cheese crumbles
1 cup nutritional yeast/parmesan
1 cup milk of choice
1/4 cup arrowroot flour/starch
1/2 tbsp garlic, minced
1/2 tbsp pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp of each: cayenne pepper (optional), pink salt, turmeric
Crumble, for Topping (totally optional):
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup almond flour
2 tbsp flax seeds
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish with (avocado) oil.
In a medium-large bowl, combine all of the base’s ingredients, minus the noodles. If there are pieces of cheese, clumping it up, that’s okay because they will melt!
Once everything is incorporated well together, fold the noodles in so each one becomes coated in the mixture.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish and cook for 20 minutes.
While cooking, combine all of the crumble’s ingredients, if using. The walnuts can either be hand-chopped or lightly chopped in a food processor.
Once done cooking, spread the crumble amongst the top of the base, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and cook for 18-20 more minutes.
Broil at 500 degrees fro 1-2 minutes to get that golden-glow and extra texture. Watch carefully, otherwise it will burn!
Let cool for about 5 minutes, then serve right away and enjoy!
Store leftovers, if any, in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes:
Feel free to use any cheese, as long as the total adds up to 3.5 cups.
