Pasta can be a cornerstone of a low-fat diet, and macaroni and cheese is comfort food at its finest. Versions made with regular cheese and butter can be heavy and high in calories, but this recipe lightens up the dish without sacrificing flavor. Using low-fat dairy products and cooking methods, this healthier version of the classic dish still provides a creamy, cheesy goodness that will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.
Let's cook with our recipes!
FOUR-CHEESE MACARONI
I adapted this recipe from one a friend gave to me. It has a distinctive blue cheese taste and is very filling. I like to serve it with chicken. -Darlene Marturano, W. Suffield, Connecticut
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses until melted. Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce and stir until coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 508 calories, Fat 23g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 603mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 26g protein.
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI - WEIGHT WATCHERS
Each serving provides: 7 points. I found this recipe in Weight Watchers 123 Success Living With Points Week 2 Meal Ideas leaflet. I have not tried this recipe, but I'm posting it for safe keeping.
Provided by internetnut
Categories Cheese
Time 20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions; drain and return to the pot.
- Add the milk, cheddar, Monterey Jack, American, and mozzarella cheeses and pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses melt, about 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.3, Fat 4.7, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 14.8, Sodium 277, Carbohydrate 32.7, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 1, Protein 16.7
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI - LOW FAT & DELICIOUS!
From Chef Juan Carlos Cruz-"Calorie Commando" on Food Network- comes this delicious comfort food without the guilt. We had this tonight with grilled pork chops, seasoned green beans and spiced apples. I followed the recipe to the letter and husband, son and I thought it was delicious. Note: it is not at all soupy, so if you like your mac runny, add more milk! Also, we felt it needed salt and fresh ground pepper at the table.
Provided by Princess Pea
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Salt water.
- Add macaroni, and cook until al dente.
- Drain into a colander.
- Run under cold water and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, combine flour and milk in a large saucepan, whisking until blended.
- Cook over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add cheeses and cook until melted and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over top.
- Bake until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 297, Fat 7.8, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 26.7, Sodium 441.4, Carbohydrate 39.9, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 6.2, Protein 15.9
REDUCED FAT MAC AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h20m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Place flour in a large saucepan over medium heat, gradually whisking in milk. Add mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper and Worcestershire. Continue cooking until sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until well blended; add 2/3 of shredded cheese and stir until melted. Add macaroni, stirring until well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Toss remaining shredded cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over top of macaroni; spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling throughout.
MACARONI AND 4 CHEESES
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, Jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 395 calorie, Fat 11.5 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Cholesterol 35 milligrams, Sodium 545 milligrams, Carbohydrate 55 grams, Protein 18 grams
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI CASSEROLE
This casserole is quick and easy but full of flavor. Both children and adults love it!
Provided by MSDELENA
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Add macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and pour hot pasta into a casserole dish.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together tomatoes, italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir into the hot pasta 1 cup of Cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Continue to stir until the cheeses have melted. Then stir in tomato and herb mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup Cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup feta over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 511.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 74.6 mg, Fat 22.8 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 887.5 mg, Sugar 5.6 g
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI
This is a wonderful way to use up all those bits of cheese left over in the fridge. The idea comes from Weight Watchers and it lends itself to using cheese you have on hand. Of course, Weight Watchers recommends reduced-fat cheese and there were quite a few changes made by me. To ensure that the sauce is nice and creamy, make sure that one of the cheeses you use is a processed cheese. True comfort food!
Provided by PaulaG
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water as per package directions; drain and return to the pot.
- Stir in milk, Jack Cheese, American cheese, mozzarella cheese, pepper and ground mustard.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Serve in individual dishes topped with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano per serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.3, Fat 15.9, SaturatedFat 9.7, Cholesterol 47.4, Sodium 437, Carbohydrate 44.1, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 4.4, Protein 23.2
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI
For more of a " grown-up" tasting Mac and Cheese I put some feta in. Delish! I'll never use boxed Mac and Cheese again!!
Provided by strawberries shortc
Categories Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 1 casserole, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a large pot cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Return to pot.
- Add milk, melted butter, pepper, and salt. Stir in cheeses. Transfer to a greased 2-quart casserole.
- Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Carefully stir mixture.
- Sprinkle with crushed crackers. Bake 5 minutes more or until crackers are browned and mixture is just heated through.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 798.1, Fat 40.2, SaturatedFat 23.6, Cholesterol 110.6, Sodium 947.6, Carbohydrate 73.7, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2, Protein 34.6
SMOKY FOUR CHEESE MACARONI BAKE
This rich macaroni combines the savory flavors of Swiss, Monterey Jack, sharp Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses along with sauteed garlic and onion to make a creamy sauce to die for. Add a little liquid smoke for a, well, smoky taste.
Provided by eshel
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and cook for 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the garlic, and continue cooking until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 2 minutes more. Slowly stir in the flour, and cook, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the half-and-half and milk, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in mustard powder and liquid smoke; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, along with the cream cheese, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar cheeses; stir until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the drained macaroni noodles. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the macaroni
- Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 638.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45.9 g, Cholesterol 111 mg, Fat 37.7 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 28.7 g, SaturatedFat 23.1 g, Sodium 656.7 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
LOW-FAT MACARONI AND CHEESE
"When I want a super side dish that's real old-fashioned comfort food, I make a batch of this macaroni and cheese," notes field editor Joanie Elbourn of Gardner, Massachusetts.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the milk, cheeses, flour and pepper. Cover and process until creamy. Pour into a bowl; stir in macaroni and onion. Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 395mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
FOUR-CHEESE TRUFFLED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is one of my favorite things to make once the weather gets a chill in the air. It's great for cheese-lovers (like myself) and works great as leftovers or at dinner parties! Truffle oil has by far been one of the best culinary purchases I have made. One little bottle has lasted me a year, and can be used with so many things, like this recipe. Top with a pinch of truffle salt!
Provided by Hilary van Santen
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Whisk flour into butter until mixture has a thick, paste-like consistency, about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk 2 cups milk into butter-flour mixture until smooth. Stir in remaining milk, increase heat to medium high, and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thick and almost boiling, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir Gouda cheese, Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese into milk mixture until cheese melts and cheese sauce is smooth. Fold cavatappi into cheese sauce; pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Stir remaining Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs together in a small bowl. Sprinkle bread crumbs mixture over cavatappi mixture and drizzle truffle oil over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 565.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.8 g, Cholesterol 98.1 mg, Fat 31.2 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 29.1 g, SaturatedFat 18.7 g, Sodium 646.1 mg, Sugar 6.5 g
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI
The epitome of comfort: Creamy mac and cheese with melty Mexican-Style cheese shreds and a crunchy SHAKE 'N BAKE topping.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Macaroni & Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings, about 1 cup each
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Combine first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup cheese.
- Cook macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour and red pepper; cook and stir 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; cook on medium heat 3 to 5 min. or until mixture comes to boil, stirring constantly. Stir in sour cream; simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add remaining cheese; cook and stir 2 min. or until melted.
- Drain macaroni. Add to sauce; stir to evenly coat. Spoon into 8 (1-cup) baking dishes sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with cheese mixture.
- Bake 10 min. or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 500, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 530 mg, Carbohydrate 55 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 5 g, Protein 19 g
SKINNY MACARONI AND CHEESE
Looking for a low-fat, delicious-tasting, macaroni and cheese? Well I've got the one for you. This skinny one uses fat-free milk, making it a lot more wholesome than your normal mac 'n cheese!
Provided by readycooker
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 14
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Mix water and powdered milk together in a bowl; set aside.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add milk mixture, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir until thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour sauce over cooked macaroni and pour mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 47.6 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 13.4 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 588.6 mg, Sugar 7 g
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses: This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex and flavorful taste. Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère are all good choices.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when you bake it.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your macaroni and cheese a creamy texture.
- Add milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to thin out the roux and make it more pourable. It will also add a creamy richness to your macaroni and cheese.
- Season the macaroni and cheese to taste: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good choices. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cumin, or cayenne pepper, to taste.
- Top with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese: This will give your macaroni and cheese a golden brown crust.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown: This will usually take about 30 minutes.
- Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving: This will help to prevent it from being too runny.
Conclusion:
Low-fat macaroni and cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese, and it is also a good option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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