Best 8 Family Favorite Macaroni And Cheese Lighter Recipes

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Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, traditional macaroni and cheese recipes can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. If you're looking for a healthier version of this family favorite, there are many ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. You can use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat pasta. You can also add vegetables to your macaroni and cheese, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini. These simple changes can make a big difference in the nutritional value of your macaroni and cheese, without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE (LIGHTER RECIPE)



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (lighter recipe) image

No need to use a box mix when mac and cheese is as simple--and delicious--as this!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
2 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded or cubed sharp Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 5 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 460 mg

LIGHTER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lighter Macaroni and Cheese image

These individual mac-and-cheese casseroles call for pungent Parmesan and extra-sharp cheddar, which means the noodles get away with less-than-usual amounts of cheese. Low-fat milk, chicken stock, and olive oil keep the sauce creamy.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 small vine-ripened tomatoes (3-inch) cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for sprinkling
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
5 slices white sandwich bread, with crust
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cups low-fat (1 percent) milk
8 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 ounce (about 1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread tomatoes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle each sheet with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes have softened, about 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)
  • Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with remaining tablespoon oil in amedium skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
  • Whisk 1/2 cup stock into the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add milk and remaining 1 1/2 cups stock. Whisk in flour mixture. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce to a simmer. Cook 8 minutes, whisking frequently. Add cheeses; cook, stirring, until melted. Pour over macaroni, stirring to combine.
  • Put eight 4 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch ramekins on a baking sheet. Put 2 tomato slices in bottom of each ramekin. Divide macaroni mixture evenly among ramekins. Top each with a tomato slice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme sprigs. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

LIGHTENED-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese image

Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese? This lightened-up version is sure to please those who want to indulge without the extra calories!

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray
6 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated skim milk, divided
1 teaspoon tapioca starch
5 ounces low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Stir 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and tapioca together in a saucepan. Whisk in remaining milk. Stir in Cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens a bit and cheese is completely melted. Drain pasta and stir into the sauce. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
  • Cook under the broiler until top browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.5 g, Cholesterol 26.4 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 400.6 mg, Sugar 4 g

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE (LIGHTER RECIPE)



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (Lighter Recipe) image

Make and share this Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (Lighter Recipe) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by JennaScarfe

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
2 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups nonfat milk (skim)
1 1/2 cups reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350ºF.
  • Cook macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.6, Fat 9.8, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 11.3, Sodium 686.5, Carbohydrate 52.2, Fiber 2, Sugar 7.5, Protein 22.3

MAKEOVER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Makeover Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy with comfort in every bite, this lightened-up classic is sure to become a family favorite at your house, too! -Nancy Langrock, Southbury, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free milk
1 package (16 ounces) reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in process cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until smooth. Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce., Remove from the heat; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 944mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

KID'S FAVORITE MACARONI & CHEESE LUNCH



Kid's Favorite Macaroni & Cheese Lunch image

Pasta that's shaped like cars is only the start of this kid-friendly macaroni and cheese lunch. It's parent-friendly, too-ready in just 10 minutes.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 10m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 container (1.9 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Cars Shapes cup
3/4 cup hot prepared 98%-fat-free condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup drained canned sliced pears in light syrup
1 cup prepared KOOL-AID Singles Tropical Punch Flavor Drink Mix

Steps:

  • Prepare Dinner as directed on package.
  • Serve with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 820 mg, Carbohydrate 77 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 37 g, Protein 7 g

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

I found this recipe in a Taste of Home publication awhile back. I had written it out and stuck it in my 'to try' binder. A few months ago I made it for the first time... it's now my absolute favorite baked macaroni and cheese recipe! (with it tweaked for my own tastes). Enjoy!

Provided by ErikaNY

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter (I use margarine) or 1/4 cup margarine (I use margarine)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (I use a squirt of yellow mustard)
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
1/8 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook elbow macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a 3 quart saucepan over low heat.
  • Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in milk.
  • Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
  • Boil and stir for 1 minute.
  • Stir in cheese.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni when done. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce and pour into ungreased 2 quart baking dish.
  • Mix together bread crumbs and parmesan cheese; sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.3, Fat 24.2, SaturatedFat 15, Cholesterol 72.2, Sodium 597.6, Carbohydrate 36.3, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.3, Protein 18

### **Here is a summary of tips, tricks and conclusion by Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (LIGHTER) recipe**: ### Cooking tips and tricks: - **Use a combination of cheeses:** Using a variety of cheeses will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex and flavorful taste. A good combination to start with is cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. - **Cook the macaroni al dente:** Cooking the macaroni al dente (slightly undercooked) will help it hold its shape and prevent it from becomingmushy. - **Make a roux:** A roux is a mixture of butter and four that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. It will help to create a smooth and creamy texture. - **Add milk or cream slowly:** When adding milk or cream to the cheese mixture, do it slowly and whisk it to prevent the mixture from curdling. - **Use fresh cheese:** The fresher the cheese you use, the better your macaroni and cheese will taste. Look for cheese that is sold in blocks or freshly grated. - **Make it your own:** Feel free to add your favorite seasonings and ingredients to the macaroni and cheese. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, chili powder, and bacon. ### **Conclusion:** Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (LIGHTER) is the perfect homestyle dish for a cozy night in. The combination of creamy cheese, al dente macaroni and crispy breadcrumbs is sure to please everyone at the table. With these delicious tips and tricks, you can make the perfect macaroni and cheese that your whole family will love.

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