Best 2 Cooking Light Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

**Macaroni and cheese**, a classic dish beloved by people of all ages, is a delectable combination of pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce. This versatile dish can be prepared in countless ways, each offering its own unique flavor and texture. Whether you prefer a classic stovetop macaroni and cheese, a baked version with a golden brown crust, or a lightened-up version made with healthier ingredients, there's a recipe out there to satisfy every craving. From the basic to the gourmet, these recipes offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and discover the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.

**Recipes in the Article:**

1. **Light Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe offers a healthier take on the classic dish, using low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat pasta. It's a great option for those looking for a lighter and healthier comfort food.

2. **Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** This classic baked macaroni and cheese features a creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy, golden brown crust. It's a perfect dish for special occasions or family gatherings.

3. **Southern Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe adds a Southern twist to the classic dish with the addition of sharp cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper. It's a flavorful and cheesy dish that's sure to be a hit.

4. **One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese:** This quick and easy recipe is made in just one pot, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It's a simple but satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick and easy meal.

5. **Macaroni and Cheese with Vegetables:** This recipe adds a healthy dose of vegetables to the classic dish, making it a more nutritious and colorful meal. It's a great way to get kids to eat their veggies and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time.

6. **Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon:** This recipe adds the smoky, salty flavor of bacon to the classic dish, creating a rich and indulgent macaroni and cheese. It's a perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

COOKING LIGHT'S CREAMY STOVE-TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE

Cooking Light's Creamy Stove-Top Macaroni and Cheese image

From the June 2006 issue of Cooking Light magazine and featured in their Dinner Tonight section. This is a simple and quick main dish that is recommended to be served with a 7-Layer salad for a full meal. They suggest assembling the salad while the water comes to a boil for the pasta and making the sauce while the pasta cooks. Quick and easy for a weeknight meal.

Provided by Ms B.

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/4 cups nonfat milk
1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, place flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan.
Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Drop cream cheese by teaspoonfuls into milk mixture; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes or until thick and cream cheese melts, stirring occasionally.
Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic; simmer 1 minute.
Remove from heat.
Add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl; toss well.

COOKING LIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE

COOKING LIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Categories Cheese Pasta Bake Vegetarian Kid-Friendly

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1/2 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons grated fresh onion
1 1/2 teaspoons reduced-calorie stick margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
Vegetable cooking spray
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon reduced-calorie stick margarine, melted
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Fresh oregano sprigs

Steps:

Preparation Combine first 10 ingredients; stir well, and spoon into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Combine breadcrumbs and next 2 ingredients; stir well. Sprinkle over casserole. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 5 minutes or until set. Garnish with oregano. Nutritional Information Calories: 356 (28% from fat) Fat: 11.2g (sat 5.2g,mono 3.3g,poly 1.4g) Protein: 24.9g Carbohydrate: 37.5g Fiber: 1.2g Cholesterol: 63mg Iron: 2mg Sodium: 724mg Calcium: 402mg

Tips:

Use a combination of cheeses: This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex flavor. A good starting point is to use a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheeses.
Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will make your macaroni and cheese mushy.
Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your macaroni and cheese a creamy texture.
Add milk and cheese gradually: This will help to prevent the cheese from clumping. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked bacon, vegetables, or herbs.
Bake until golden brown: This will give your macaroni and cheese a crispy top and a gooey interior.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. Whether you like it cheesy, creamy, or crispy, there is a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!