Best 9 Reduced Fat Mac And Cheese Recipes

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If you're looking for a way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the guilt, reduced fat mac and cheese is the perfect recipe for you. With a few simple substitutions, you can make a delicious and satisfying mac and cheese that is lower in fat and calories. Reduced fat mac and cheese is a great option for a weeknight meal or a potluck. It's also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

LOW-FAT MACARONI AND CHEESE



Low-Fat Macaroni and Cheese image

"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

1 cup fat-free milk
1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2/3 cup fat-free cottage cheese
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pepper to taste
2-1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon grated onion
Paprika

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

YUMMY LOW-FAT MAC & CHEESE



Yummy Low-Fat Mac & Cheese image

Make and share this Yummy Low-Fat Mac & Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Absolutely Bananas

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups nonfat milk
1 cup nonfat sour cream
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (from about 2 cups dried)
1/4 cup corn flake crumbs or 1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Coat 2 quart casserole with nonstick spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Melt butter in medium saucepan. stir in flour, mustard, paprika, and salt. slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until there are no lumps in the flour. continue to stir with whisk, raise the heat, and cook until milk bubbles and thickens. Remove from stovetop and stir in sour cream, egg, and cheese.
  • Toss macaroni and the cheese mixture together in a bowl and then pour it into the casserole. Top with the cornflake crumbs. Set in the oven and bake for 20 min, or until bubbling around edges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253.8, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 41.1, Sodium 271.9, Carbohydrate 41.9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 6.9, Protein 11.1

SKINNY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Skinny Macaroni and Cheese image

59% less fat • 54% less sat fat • 24% fewer calories than the original recipe. Make it "my mac and cheese" with simple changes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups uncooked regular or whole wheat elbow macaroni (8 oz)
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain macaroni as directed on package. Return to saucepan; cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with wire whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
  • Add cheese sauce to cooked macaroni; mix well. Spoon into baking dish.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 640 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

HEALTHIER HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE



Healthier Homemade Mac and Cheese image

To make this rich mac and cheese recipe healthier we use whole wheat bread crumbs, low-fat milk and cheese, whole wheat noodles, and reduced the amount of butter. Serve with a salad for a healthy meatless dinner.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     Pasta and Noodles     Noodle Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat macaroni (such as Smart Taste®)
2 tablespoons butter
2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups low-fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk to roux, stirring constantly. Stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is thick, about 3 minutes. Place macaroni in large baking dish and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and stir until butter is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread over macaroni to cover. Sprinkle with paprika.
  • Bake in preheated oven until cheese sauce is hot and breadcrumbs are browned, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 770.4 calories, Carbohydrate 106.6 g, Cholesterol 60.3 mg, Fat 22.4 g, Fiber 10.6 g, Protein 42.5 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 750.2 mg, Sugar 9.6 g

LOWER FAT BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Lower Fat Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is the result of me playing with my MIL's baked mac and cheese recipe. IMHO it captures the flavor and texture of the original recipe without leaving a greasy feeling in the mouth. Hope you enjoy it!

Provided by smellyvegetarian

Categories     Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

7 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon Smart Balance butter spread
2 ounces Velveeta reduced fat cheese product
3/4 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 and coat an 8x8 pan with cooking spray.
  • Cook pasta according to box directions until just done. Drain briefly, then return pasta to the cooking pot (it should still be warm).
  • Add Smart Balance, Velveeta, milk, and 1/2 c cheddar cheese and stir until the cheeses melt. You may need to put the pan back on a burner for this.
  • Pour pasta mixture into greased pan and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle remaining 1/4 c cheese on top and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the top is as crunchy as you like it :).

LOW FAT MAC AND CHEESE



Low Fat Mac and Cheese image

That actually does NOT taste low fat, true! Not the way I USED to do! No butter or oil too! Hope you will agree and do a review!

Provided by mickeydownunder

Categories     Cheese

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 ounces pasta
1 1/2 cups low-fat cheese
2 cups nonfat milk
1 1/2 tablespoons plain flour
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • COOK pasta and DRAIN; keep warm.
  • In same saucepan, ADD milk and flour and WHISK until smooth; heat to BOIL stirring all the time to make sure does not stick.
  • ADD mustard and black pepper.
  • Once at a boil, allow to simmer about 3 minutes til thickened slightly.
  • ADD cheese stirring until total melted.
  • ADD pasta back into saucepan; stir until well coated.
  • ENJOY!
  • NOTE: Was inspired by the internet to post this; I HOPE you don't give it a miss!
  • NOTE: Can top with tsp of parsley or 1 tsp chilli flakes when adding mustard and pepper; is all up to YOU! :).

REDUCED FAT MACARONI AND CHEESE (COOK'S COUNTRY)



Reduced Fat Macaroni and Cheese (Cook's Country) image

Most recipes for reduced-fat macaroni and cheese fall short on taste and texture. This recipe tastes delicious, but isn't nearly as rich. Instead of using whole milk and heavy cream in this recipe, it uses skim milk thickened with a roux. Low-fat cheddar cheese and Parmesan add a complex flavor to the macaroni and cheese without the added fat. Part-skim ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture to this reduced-fat version. By making these substitutions, the calories and fat are cut by more than half. Serves 4 as a main dish, or 6-8 as a side dish. From Cook's Country. http://bit.ly/13oaie8

Provided by DrGaellon

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/2 lb elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon mustard powder
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)

Steps:

  • Toss bread crumbs with butter in small bowl until combined. Set aside.
  • In food processor or blender, process cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta until no large pieces of cheese remain, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to bowl and set aside.
  • Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat broiler. Bring 4 quarts water and 1 tbsp table salt (not in ingredient list) to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Add macaroni and cook until tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain macaroni and leave in colander.
  • In now-empty Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add flour and mustard and cook, whisking to combine ingredients, until mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly add milk and Tabasco, if using, and bring to full boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking frequently, until mixture becomes slightly thicker than heavy cream, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Whisk in cheese mixture and 1/2 teaspoon salt until cheese is melted. Add pasta and cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat, until mixture is steaming, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture to broiler-safe 8-inch-square baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Broil until crumbs are deep golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes, rotating pan if necessary for even browning. Cool 2 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 494.4, Fat 14.7, SaturatedFat 8.5, Cholesterol 41.8, Sodium 767.5, Carbohydrate 62.2, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 2.4, Protein 26.9

LOW FAT MEXICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Low Fat Mexican Macaroni and Cheese image

Found this in a Weight Watcher's cookbook of recipes from the magazine in 2000. This is fast to make and has a nice flavour. Not a zingy dish, but the kids and I enjoyed it. 2/3 of a cup is 3 WW points.

Provided by ladypit

Categories     Mexican

Time 20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
5 ounces light processed cheese (Light Velveeta)
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa

Steps:

  • Boil water for the macaroni. Cook the noodles in the water until done, usually 7-9 minutes.
  • While the noodles are cooking cube the cheese.
  • When the noodles are done drain them and then return to the pan.
  • Add the cubed cheese and taco seasoning. Stir well, until the cheese is melted.
  • When melted, add the salsa and serve.

MAKEOVER SLOW-COOKED MAC 'N' CHEESE



Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese image

This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. -Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 2h25m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can (12 ounces) reduced-fat evaporated milk
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/3 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon butter, melted
8 ounces reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Coarsely ground pepper, optional

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, milk, egg substitute and butter. Stir in the process cheese, 1-1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese and macaroni., Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until center is set, stirring once. Sprinkle with remaining sharp cheddar cheese and, if desired, coarsely ground pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 12g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 647mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce the fat content of the dish.
  • Add vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, to the macaroni and cheese for a healthier option.
  • Use whole wheat macaroni or another whole grain pasta for a more nutritious meal.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese instead of frying it to reduce the fat content.
  • Use a light cheese sauce or a sauce made with Greek yogurt instead of a heavy cream sauce.
  • Add a topping of bread crumbs or panko crumbs for a crunchy texture.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can make a healthier version of this dish that is still delicious and satisfying. So next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, try one of these recipes for a healthier twist on this classic dish.

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