Best 4 Not So Naughty Macaroni Cheese Recipes
In a world where health consciousness and indulgence often collide, macaroni and cheese stands as a culinary enigma. This beloved dish, often associated with comfort and satisfaction, has long been viewed as a culinary indulgence, its rich and creamy sauce a testament to its undeniable appeal. However, for those seeking a healthier alternative, creating a "not so naughty" macaroni and cheese is a culinary quest worth embarking on. With a few clever substitutions and mindful ingredient choices, it's possible to transform this classic dish into a more balanced and nutritious meal, satisfying both your cravings and your desire for a healthier lifestyle.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
NO-BAKE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of the butter. When foamy, sprinkle in the flour and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine, then continue whisking until flour is cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk, pouring it in a slow, steady stream. Then whisk in the cream. Bring to a simmer. Set aside 3/4 cup of the mild Cheddar; whisk in the remaining mild Cheddar and the sharp Cheddar, smoked Cheddar and Brie. Continue to stir for 2 minutes or until all the cheese is melted, then turn the heat off. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted and incorporated.
- For the macaroni: Fill a large pot halfway with water. Season with salt until it tastes like the sea. Bring to a boil, then add the macaroni. Stir, then simmer until macaroni is al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place cooked macaroni into a heat-proof serving dish. Ladle cheese sauce all over, then sprinkle the reserved mild Cheddar on top. Place in the oven just until all of the Cheddar is melted and everything is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
NO-BOIL SMOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This extra smoky mac and cheese can be prepared ahead and added to your grill and smoker set up when you're finishing off other dishes for the ultimate barbecue side. One tablespoon of chipotle adobo sauce adds extra smokiness and a bit of heat, but feel free to add more as desired if you prefer more smoke and spice.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h15m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare a grill for medium indirect heat (about 375 degrees F if your grill has a thermometer; for a gas grill, leave one or two burners on low or off; for a charcoal grill, bank the coals on one side of the grill). Prepare a smoker tube with smoking pellets according to the manufacturer's instructions and set on the grill to begin smoking (see Cook's Note).
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a smooth paste. Cook, stirring, until the mixture smells nutty but hasn't browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the smoked paprika, then whisk in the milk and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the adobo and salt. Off heat, whisk in half of the shredded Cheddar and Gouda and all of the processed cheese cubes to make a smooth sauce.
- Spread the uncooked macaroni in a disposable 9-by-13-inch foil baking tin and pour the sauce over. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Cover tightly with foil and place on the indirect part of the grill. Close the grill. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, close the grill and cook 10 minutes more. If cooking on a gas grill, turn off the grill, close the lid and let rest in the grill with the smoker tube for 10 minutes more before serving. (On a charcoal grill, just remove the baking tin and serve.)
EASY CREAMY MAC 'N CHEESE
Our recipe for Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. What's not to love about that?! Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish, it's comfort food that the whole family will love.
Provided by Country Crock®
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Country Crock®
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, whisk milk, Country Crock® Spread, and flour in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted; remove from heat. Drain pasta and fold into the sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Cholesterol 34.5 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 202.7 mg, Sugar 4 g
NOT-SO-NAUGHTY MACARONI & CHEESE
This is my adaptation of baked mac & cheese. I trimmed it down to better adhere to my diet plan and thought others out there craving their carby, cheesy fix might appreciate this lighter version.
Provided by kolleen1021
Categories Weeknight
Time 45m
Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, combine everything except the shredded cheese.
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically, until the butter is melted.
- Stir until smooth.
- Drain the macaroni and add to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- In a lightly oiled 9x13 pan, layer 1/2 of the macaroni mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat with the other half of the noodles, finishing with shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and browned to your liking.
- NOTE: I have experimented with different combinations of cheese. Cheddar is a great standby, but try adding a little pepper jack to the mix, or even a little bit of bleu for some bite.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra flavor.
- If you want a creamy sauce, use full-fat milk or cream.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat milk or skim milk and whole wheat pasta.
- Add some cooked vegetables to the sauce, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with bread crumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese at a high temperature so that it gets golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving so that it has a chance to set.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can make a delicious macaroni and cheese dish that will be sure to please everyone. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at a party, macaroni and cheese is a great option.
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