Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it's often high in calories, fat, and sodium. If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy this dish, there are several ways to slim it down without sacrificing flavor. For instance, you could use low-fat milk or yogurt instead of whole milk and use whole-wheat macaroni instead of regular macaroni. You could also add in healthy ingredients like vegetables and lean protein, or by using a lighter cheese blend. This article will provide you with some delicious and nutritious recipes for a slimmed-down macaroni and cheese.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
VELVEETA® DOWN-HOME MACARONI AND CHEESE
If you're looking for a mac and cheese recipe with the perfect balance of cheesy and creamy, the search ends here.
Provided by VELVEETA Cheese
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips VELVEETA Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Melt 3 Tbsp. butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 2 min., stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil; cook and stir 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add VELVEETA; cook 3 min. or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
- Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with Cheddar. Melt remaining butter; toss with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake 20 min. or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.7 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 25.9 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 18.6 g, SaturatedFat 15.9 g, Sodium 869.1 mg, Sugar 6.8 g
SKINNY CAULIFLOWER MACARONI AND CHEESE
The savory version of having your cake and eating it too, this slimmed-down, super-creamy mac and cheese gets a veggie boost from 2 cups of cauliflower florets, which add wonderful flavor and texture.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In 4-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling over medium heat. Add cauliflower and macaroni; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Drain; return to saucepan, and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2-quart glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with 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 pasta mixture; mix well. Spoon into baking dish. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over pasta mixture in baking dish. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 670 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1/2 g
DOWN HOME MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Time 55m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil. Add the salt and reboil before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; about 10 to 12 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter over medium heat in a saucepan until it begins to bubble but do not let it brown. Whisk in the flour to create a roux for the white sauce base. Cook the flour and butter, over low heat, for 5 to 7 minutes, add the hot milk in a steady stream. Cook the white sauce for 10 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, mustard, cayenne pepper, Colby and Cheddar cheeses and cook for 2 minutes over low heat. Drain the pasta and place into a baking casserole dish large enough to hold the pasta and all of the sauce. Add the cheese sauce by pouring over the top. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is well browned and crusty.;
MAKEOVER CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
With its creamy consistency and two different cheeses, this entree captures the essence of comfort food. But here's the kicker: it's been slimmed down for you so you can enjoy it without over indulging. -Darcie Zerniak, Ontario, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 7 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat; stir in the sour cream, process cheese, Parmesan, mustard and pepper until smooth. , Drain macaroni; stir in cheddar cheese. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Add cream sauce and mix well. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with chives if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 18g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 61mg cholesterol, Sodium 842mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
DOWN-HOME MACARONI & CHEESE
Macaroni and cheese that's creamy, cheesy and a Healthy Living recipe, too? It's not the impossible dream. It's real, and its right here!
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Macaroni & Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350ºF.
- Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Remove half of butter; mix with bread crumbs. Set aside. Stir flour into remaining butter in saucepan; cook and stir 1 min. Gradually stir in milk until well blended; cook and stir until thickened. Add VELVEETA and 1-1/2 cups cheddar; cook until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
- Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with remaining Cheddar and buttered crumbs.
- Bake 20 min. or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 700 mg, Carbohydrate 44 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, Protein 23 g
SLIMMED DOWN MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Slimmed Down Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by hansje54
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 2h5m
Yield 1 Pot, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In a small saucepan, heat the mustard, cornstarch, pepper and evaporated milk until warmed through, whisking occasionally. Stir in the cheese.
- Pour the macaroni into the slow cooker. Top with the cheese mixture and stir. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours or on high for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 204.4, Fat 2.7, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 296.2, Carbohydrate 27, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 12.5, Protein 17.2
Tips:
- Use whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta is a healthier option than traditional white pasta because it contains more fiber and nutrients. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it won't cause your blood sugar to spike as much.
- Add vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to add flavor, nutrition, and color to your macaroni and cheese. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and peas.
- Use low-fat cheese: Low-fat cheese can help to reduce the fat and calorie content of your macaroni and cheese. You can also use a combination of low-fat and regular cheese to get the best of both worlds.
- Use skim milk: Skim milk is a healthier option than whole milk or 2% milk because it contains less fat and calories. It also has a higher protein content, which can help to keep you feeling full.
- Use less butter: Butter is a high-fat ingredient, so it's important to use it sparingly in your macaroni and cheese. You can use a combination of butter and olive oil to get the best flavor without adding too much fat.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant to eat. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, or until it is al dente (firm to the bite).
- Serve with a salad: A salad is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal and make it more balanced. It can also help to lighten up the richness of the macaroni and cheese.
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 just as delicious. So next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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