When the comfort food craving strikes and you desire a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying, look no further than three-cheese mac and cheese. However, traditional recipes can be heavy on calories and fat. Enter the "lite yes lite" version of this classic dish, which offers a delightful balance of cheesy goodness without sacrificing flavor or texture. Explore our carefully curated collection of recipes that utilize healthier ingredients and preparation methods, such as reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat pasta, and hidden vegetables, to create a guilt-free spin on the beloved mac and cheese experience.
Let's cook with our recipes!
THREE-CHEESE MACARONI
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 32m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk the egg, evaporated milk, cayenne, nutmeg, and salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Toss the grated cheeses in a separate bowl.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until almost falling apart, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the pasta to the same water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Preheat the broiler.
- Combine the egg mixture and the grated cheeses in the empty pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses melt and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and add the cauliflower. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and light (you can also use a regular blender). Stir in some of the reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish and top with muenster slices. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
THREE-CHEESE MACARONI
This homemade version of the noodle favorite will make you forget about the boxed orange variety. A sauce made with three kinds of cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping really separate this mac and cheese from its store-bought counterparts.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter 10 mini (1 cup) pie plates or a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Warm milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter is bubbling. Add flour. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour warm milk into butter mixture, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture bubbles and thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in 3 cups cheddar, 1 cup Gruyere, 1 cup fontina, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the nutmeg, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, and transfer pasta to cheese sauce. Stir to coat. Divide mixture among mini pie plates or transfer to baking dish. Scatter remaining cup cheddar, 1/2 cup Gruyere, and 1/2 cup fontina over top, and sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs. Bake until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
BAKED THREE-CHEESE MACARONI
This legendary three-cheese mac and cheese is a must-have for big family events. My ultimate comfort food is a divine blend of cheddar, Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. -Joan Sullivan, Gambrills, MD
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner Side Dishes
Time 50m
Yield 12 servings (3/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni in a 6-qt. stockpot according to package directions for al dente. Drain; return to pot., In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; whisk in warmed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened., Remove from heat; stir in Gruyere and cheddar cheeses, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add to macaroni, tossing to coat., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese and melted butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 487 calories, Fat 24g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 76mg cholesterol, Sodium 515mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 27g protein.
THREE CHEESE MAC AND CHEESE
Loaded with sharp cheddar, Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, this mac and cheese is rich and creamy and loved by both children and adults.
Provided by Ryan Beck
Categories Pasta
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook macaroni according to package and set aside.
- While water is coming up to a boil, you'll want to grate the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese and toss to combine.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in flour, dry mustard and black pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until well combined. Gradually add milk and cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 10 minutes. You'll want to stir constantly.
- Remove sauce from heat and gradually add 3 cups cheddar/Gruyère cheese mixture as well as Parmesan cheese and whisk until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Add pasta and mix until everything is coated. Pour half of the mac and cheese into a 9x13 greased baking dish or 12 inch cast iron skillet. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheddar/Gruyère cheese mixture evenly throughout and then the remaining mac and cheese. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar/Gruyère cheese mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 457 kcal, Carbohydrate 35 g, Protein 20 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Sodium 463 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 5 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g
THREE CHEESE MAC AND CHEESE LITE (YES LITE)
We love mac and cheese, but not all of the fat and calories, so I've been working on a lighter version and this is what I came up with. My DD loves this and she's picky about her mac and cheese.
Provided by MsSally
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to box, pour into colander and leave. DO NOT RINSE>.
- Turn burner to med. Melt butter in pan, add flour and whisk together. Add milk and whisk constantly till warm and thickened. Remove from heat. Whisk in Velveeta, 1 cup cheddar and mozzarella, till melted and smooth.
- Add macaroni to cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Heat oven to 350°F Pour mac and cheese into 2 qt casserole. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or till cheese on top is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 290.5, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 18.7, Sodium 615.9, Carbohydrate 35.7, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 2.8, Protein 22.4
3-CHEESE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- In large pot filled with water add 3 pinches of salt and the macaroni and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and let cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter. Sprinkle flour over butter and cook 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, whisking until a roux or paste forms. Add cold milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved. Cook sauce on medium-low heat until thick and bubbly. Add heavy cream, all cheeses, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper. Cook until cheeses are fully melted, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Place macaroni mixture in a 13 by 9 baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
BAKED MACARONI & 3 CHEESE (LIGHT)
Make and share this Baked Macaroni & 3 Cheese (Light) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Concoctionista
Categories Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In bowl, mix flour, salt, mustard, pepper and milk until smooth.
- Melt butter in large saucepan.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in milk mixture until smooth.
- Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine cheese mixture with macaroni in greased 2 quart casserole.
- Bake in 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.7, Fat 0.9, SaturatedFat 0.2, Cholesterol 1.2, Sodium 425.9, Carbohydrate 35.9, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.7, Protein 8
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor. A good combination is cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan.
- Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can make your mac and cheese grainy.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the sauce. This will make your mac and cheese creamy and smooth.
- Use milk or cream. Milk will give your mac and cheese a lighter texture, while cream will make it richer and more decadent.
- Season your mac and cheese to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
- Top your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. This will add a nice crispy texture.
- Bake your mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown. This will take about 30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are many different ways to make mac and cheese, but the basic ingredients are always the same: macaroni, cheese, butter, milk, and salt. By following the tips in this article, you can make a delicious mac and cheese that is sure to please everyone at your table.
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