Best 5 Healthy Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipes

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In the realm of indulgent comfort foods, macaroni and cheese reigns supreme. However, its traditional preparation often comes with a hefty dose of guilt due to its high fat and calorie content. If you're seeking a healthier take on this classic dish without sacrificing its creamy, cheesy goodness, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you on a culinary journey to uncover the secrets of preparing a delectable "healthy creamy mac and cheese." So, grab your aprons, and let's embark on a quest for a healthier yet equally satisfying macaroni and cheese experience!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese is perfect supper food. It's a kids' favorite, and adults like it too. My recipe is simple and almost as quick as the boxed variety.

Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

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

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon salt
1 pound elbow, shell or other bite-size shaped pasta
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans evaporated milk
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup flour
1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in large soup kettle. Add salt and pasta. Using package directions as a guide, cook until al dente. Drain. To prevent sticking, drain and immediately pour onto a large lipped baking sheet and let cool while preparing sauce.
  • Meanwhile, microwave the milk and chicken broth in a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup or bowl until hot and steamy (not boiling). Melt butter in the empty pasta pot; whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture. Continue to whisk until thick and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in mustard, Parmesan and pepper. Turn off heat, stir in cheddar until melted.
  • Add drained pasta (and optional flavoring ingredients, see notes) to sauce, and stir until everything is well combined over low heat. Stir to heat through, and thin with a little water if the sauce is too thick. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 529.1 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 82.3 mg, Fat 26.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 25.1 g, SaturatedFat 16.1 g, Sodium 1202.9 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

This is my absolute very favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and I have a large collection of m/c recipes. Adapted from Southern Living. I don't make this very often because I could literally eat the whole thing and lick the dish clean.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups milk
2 (10 ounce) packages sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (I use Cracker Barrel)
1 (10 ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I use Cracker Barrel)
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Steps:

  • In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk the flour in gradually until the mixture is smooth.
  • Cook and whisk continually for 2 minutes.
  • Add in salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic; stir to combine.
  • Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.
  • Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
  • Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese; stir.
  • Add in all of the extra-sharp cheddar cheese; stir until smooth.
  • Take skillet off stove burner.
  • Mix together the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture; transfer to a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes (may need to bake longer for a crispy top).

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. -Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 to 2 cups 2% milk
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces cubed Velveeta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in sour cream, Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. , Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce. , Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 calories, Fat 46g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 1141mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

ULTRA CREAMY MAC AND CHEESE



Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by mightyro_cooking4u

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened, plus additional for coating dish
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
8 ounces American cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 cup half-and-half
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
fresh ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish; set aside.
  • In a large pot of water, cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain. Return the macaroni to the pot. Add cheeses to the hot macaroni and stir well; spread in the prepared dish.
  • In a mdeium bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup butter, the half-and-half, eggs,sour cream, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Pour over the macaroni. Bake uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 513.4, Fat 36.5, SaturatedFat 22, Cholesterol 202.2, Sodium 696.5, Carbohydrate 24.8, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 0.9, Protein 21.7

MAKEOVER CREAMY MAC & CHEESE



Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness-but is lighter on calories. -April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fat-free milk
3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
sliced cherry tomatoes and minced chives

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk flour, seasonings and half-and-half until smooth. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Add milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray., For optional topping, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture; top with cheese. , Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes . Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 354mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with other types of cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the sauce. It's important to cook the roux until it is golden brown, as this will help to give the sauce a rich flavor.
  • Use milk or cream: You can use either milk or cream to make the sauce. Milk will make a lighter sauce, while cream will make a richer, more decadent sauce.
  • Season the sauce to taste: Be sure to season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the pasta being cooked until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
  • Stir in the cheese: Once the sauce is cooked, stir in the cheese until it is melted and smooth. Be sure to use a heatproof bowl, as the cheese will melt quickly.
  • Serve immediately: Mac and cheese is best served immediately, while it is still hot and bubbly. You can garnish it with some chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Whether you like it cheesy, creamy, or spicy, there's a mac and cheese recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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