Best 3 Healthy Macaroni Cheese Recipes

Macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is often associated with indulgence. However, it is possible to make a version of this classic dish that is healthier without sacrificing flavor. By using whole-wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and incorporating vegetables, you can create a macaroni and cheese dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. In this article, we will provide a recipe for a healthy macaroni and cheese dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.

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

HEALTHY BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE

Healthy Baked Macaroni & Cheese image

A delicious healthy alternative to macaroni and cheese. Very quick and easy to make and homemade is always so much better! I will sometimes add chicken or spinach and turn it into a main dish.

Provided by jenlyn33922

Categories Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 1/2 cup, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni
15 ounces fat-free ricotta cheese
1 3/4 cups skim milk
1/2 cup Egg Beaters egg substitute (r)
2 teaspoons brown mustard
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
8 ounces fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fat-free parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

I like to use the healthy choice or smart balance cheeses. Use Tabasco to taste of course--my husband likes it spicy!
Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9x13 or 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray oil.
Cook macaroni according to package directions.
In a food processor or blender, mix ricotta cheese, milk, egg substitute, mustard, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper.
Process until smooth.
Drain macaroni, return to pot and add shredded cheddar. Stir until cheese melts. Stir in ricotta mixture and scrape into prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni and cheese.
Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE

Healthy Macaroni & Cheese image

I love macaroni and cheese! I've been looking for a healthy replacement of the old from the box standard. I heard you could mix in veggies and that sounds like a plus! I copied this recipe, but wanted to know the nutrition facts for a low-fat cheese.

Provided by jennifurlynn

Categories < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat pasta
1/4 cup carrot, shredded very fine
1/4 cup broccoli floret, chopped very fine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

Boil pasta according to package directions.
Drain and place back into boiling pot.
Leave burner on low-med.
Do not rinse.
Add olive oil and salt to noodles and stir to cover noodles.
Add carrots and broccoli and stir.
Add cheese.
Stir until melted over low-med heat.
Serve.

EASY HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE CASSEROLE

EASY HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE CASSEROLE image

Categories Cheese Bake Kid-Friendly Healthy

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 small boxes or 1 large box of Elbow Macaroni (preferably whole wheat)
1 large can of Tomato Juice
10 ounces low fat extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed
10 ounces of part skim Mozzerella, cubed
Parmessan and/or Romano cheese, grated

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir pasta into a pot of boiling water and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and in a large ovenproof glass dish, stir together pasta and cubed cheeses. Shake can of tomato juice well. Pour only enough juice over macaroni and cheese until almost covered. Sprinkle top with grated Parmessan and/or Romano cheese. Bake macaroni and cheese in middle of oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling, and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

Use high-quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or fontina for a creamier dish.
Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked through but still has a slightly firm bite to it. This will help prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy in the cheese sauce.
Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help create a smooth and creamy texture.
Add milk or cream gradually: When adding milk or cream to the cheese sauce, do so gradually and whisk constantly to prevent the sauce from curdling.
Season the cheese sauce to taste: Once the cheese sauce is made, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste.
Top with breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon: Before baking the macaroni and cheese, top it with breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon for a crispy and flavorful topping.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese that will be a hit at your next potluck or family gathering. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these macaroni and cheese recipes a try!