Ingredients

The following ingredients have 2 Servings
  • For the caramelized onions:
  • 1 cups Small onion (thinly sliced (about 1.5 ))
  • 1/2 Tbsp Butter
  • For the Mac 'N cheese:
  • 4 Oz Whole wheat macaroni noodles
  • 1/4 Cup Milk (I used 1%)
  • 1/4 Cup Fat-free half and half
  • 1/8 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Hickory Liquid Smoke
  • 4 Oz Reduced-fat Cheddar Cheese (grated and divided (about 1 packed cup))
  • 1/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp Low-sugar BBQ sauce (I used KRAFT light BBQ sauce)
  • 1/4 Cup Cilantro (diced)
  • 3/4 Cup Leftover pulled pork

Instruction

  • Preheat your broiler to HIGH heat. Spray a 1 quart casserole dishwith cooking spray and set aside
  • To caramelize the onions:
  • Melt the 1/2 Tbsp of butter in a medium sized pan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the thinly sliced onions, making sure that the butter evenly coats all the slices.
  • Turn the heat down to medium/low and stir the onions every 5 minutes or so until soft and golden brown, about 25 minutes.
  • While the onions cook, it's time to make the mac 'n cheese.
  • Set a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the macaroni noodles as your package directs, until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and return to the burner, on low heat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, fat free half and half, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and liquid smoke.
  • Pour the milk mixture over top of the noodles, and give it a good stir.
  • Add in 3/4 cup of the cheese in small hand fulls, letting it begin to melt between each addition.
  • Once the cheese has melted, stir in the caramelized onions, BBQ sauce (make sure you taste as you go, to get your desired level of smokiness), chopped cilantro and the pulled pork*. Stir well until everything is creamy and well combined.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with remaining 1/4 cup of cheese. **
  • Broil for 2-4 minutes, depending on how crunchy and browned you like your cheese.
  • Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve hot and devour!