Macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food, is often laden with unhealthy ingredients like processed cheese and heavy cream. However, it is possible to create a healthier version of this beloved dish without sacrificing flavor. Our recipe for healthy mac and cheese with béchamel cheddar sauce is a healthier version of the classic dish, made with whole-wheat pasta, béchamel sauce, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This dish is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients, and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
BECHAMEL MAC AND CHEESE
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Time 25m
Yield 6 portions
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Over medium heat in a saucepan, heat the milk with the stock and salt, stirring throughout. Continue to heat the milk mixture over medium heat, and then reduce to low heat once the milk has begun to froth or simmer.
- Next, in a second saucepan, heat the butter until melted. Stir in the flour. Reduce the heat to low and stir until well incorporated. Remove from the heat when it is a pale tan color (a blond roux).
- Once the roux has thickened, slowly stir into the milk mixture to blend. Continue to stir over low heat until well incorporated. Finally, remove from the heat and whisk in the cheeses. Once mixed, add the pasta, again stir well and serve.
HEALTHY MAC & CHEESE WITH BECHAMEL-CHEDDAR SAUCE
Developed this recipe on my own, inspired by multiple recipes I found online. The evaporated milk helps the cheese sauce stay creamy and not curdle when cooked. 100% whole wheat pasta and bread give this recipe a healthy take that adults and children will love!
Provided by Silly_Mommy
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add macaroni, bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-high heat until al dente (a little less than fully cooked). Set aside ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and immediately rinse with cold water.
- In the same pot used for the macaroni, melt butter and add flour. Whisk until mixture looks like a paste and is light beige in color. Slowly pour in evaporated milk while whisking, and continue until fully incorperated. Simmer and stir for another 3-4 minutes for sauce to thicken Stir in nutmeg, mustard, and salt.
- Remove from heat and add cheese and pasta water. Continue stiring until cheese is fully melted. Pour macaroni back into and stir until fully mixed with sauce.
- (This step is for topping.) Break apart bread in large peices and pulse in food processor with melted butter until bread is in small crumbs. Mix with cheese and cayenne pepper and set aside.
- Pour macaroni mixture into a 9x13 casserole dishes and spread bread/cheese mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Remove from oven when top is slightly browned and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
HOMEMADE CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE
Don't care for Velveeta®? Try this recipe. It can be used in place of it. Five ingredients and in less than 10 minutes, you've got a delicious substitute for it.
Provided by Yoly
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and salt until a paste forms. Slowly add milk; cook and stir until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add cheese, stir to combine, and cook until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75.2 calories, Carbohydrate 1.6 g, Cholesterol 18.3 mg, Fat 6 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 119.4 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE WITH A BECHAMEL BASE
A cheddar cheese sauce good for serving over vegetables. (Source: LeCordon Bleu Professional Cooking)
Provided by Leta8076
Categories Sauces
Time 45m
Yield 1 qt
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Make a Bechamel sauce as follows: Heat clarified butter in medium size saucepan.
- Whisk in bread flour and stir and cook over low heat until light cream color, but at least 1 minute.
- Cool slightly.
- In another saucepan, scald the milk.
- Gradually add milk to the roux (flour and butter mixture) beating constantly with whisk.
- Bring sauce to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stick the bay leaf to the onion with the clove.
- Place onion in sauce.
- Simmer at least 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Season very lightly with salt, nutmeg and white pepper.
- Strain through a china cap.
- Place plastic wrap on sauce to prevent formation of skin.
- Cool in cold water bath and store in freezer in ziplock bags for later use, or keep warm over warm water bath for use in dishes being currently prepared.
- To 1 qt of this Bechamel Sauce, add the cheddar cheese, dry mustard and worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk over low heat until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
CHEESE SAUCE
This classic, storecupboard white sauce is loaded with strong cheddar cheese - our easy recipe is ready in 15 minutes. Use to make macaroni or cauliflower cheese
Provided by Miriam Nice
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Pour 500ml milk into a large saucepan and add 4 tbsp plain flour and 50g butter.
- Turn on the heat to medium and start to whisk the mixture. Keep whisking fast as the butter melts and the mixture comes to the boil - the flour will disappear and the sauce will begin to thicken.
- Whisk for another 2 mins while the sauce bubbles then stir in 100g grated strong cheddar cheese (or 50g grated cheddar, 50g crumbled blue cheese) until melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 219 calories, Fat 14 grams fat, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 14 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 4 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 8 grams protein, Sodium 0.54 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent the sauce from melting smoothly.
- Make sure the milk is hot before adding it to the cheese. This will help prevent the cheese from curdling.
- Stir the sauce constantly until it thickens. This will prevent it from burning.
- Season the sauce to taste. You may want to add additional salt, pepper, or nutmeg.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately. It is best when it is freshly made.
Conclusion:
This mac and cheese recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. The béchamel sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the cheddar cheese adds a sharp and tangy flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. You can also customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients, such as cooked chicken, bacon, or vegetables.
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