Individual Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups low-fat milk (1%)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 ounces grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 ounces grated smoked gouda cheese
• 2 ounces grated reduced-fat gruyère or swiss cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk and flour and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, add nutmeg, and cook, stirring, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Add cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, gruyère or swiss cheese, and cayenne pepper; whisk until melted (1 minute). Add cooked elbow macaroni and stir to combine. In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place 6 individual crocks, ramekins, or ovenproof bowls on a rimmed baking sheet; spoon 1 cup macaroni mixture into each ramekin and sprinkle each with 1/6 bread-crumb topping. Bake at 400° until topping is browned and cheese is bubbling (30-35 minutes).