Best 4 Easy Healthy Macaroni Cheese Casserole Recipes
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack. This article provides three delicious recipes for easy and healthy macaroni and cheese casserole.
The first recipe is for a basic macaroni and cheese casserole that is made with simple, everyday ingredients. The second recipe is for a more flavorful macaroni and cheese casserole that includes a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. The third recipe is for a lighter macaroni and cheese casserole that is made with whole-wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese. All three recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at your next potluck, these macaroni and cheese casserole recipes are sure to please everyone at the table.
HEALTHIER HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE
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
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
HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
This homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is the best you've ever had. Tender noodles in a velvety sauce make the perfectly irresistible dish!!
Provided by Holly Nilsson
Categories Casserole Dinner Entree Main Course Pasta
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook macaroni al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let cook 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, mustard powder, onion powder, salt & pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese & 3 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add soup if using.
- Toss cheese sauce & macaroni noodles together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 18-24 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 539 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Sodium 529 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'
Provided by Meredith
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
- Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
- Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g
MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
I like to create recipes, and this is one my husband really enjoys. It's an excellent dish for company, especially for families with small children. After all, what kid doesn't like macaroni and cheese?
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 4-6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around the edge of pan. Remove from the heat; stir in the cheese and butter. Let stand for 1 minute. Stir until cheese is almost melted. Stir in bread crumbs. In a bowl, combine the macaroni, egg yolks, pimientos, parsley, onion and salt. Stir in cheese mixture; mix well. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into macaroni mixture. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Use a high-quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or try a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian. It refers to the texture of pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This will help prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- 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, smooth texture.
- Add milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make your macaroni and cheese more creamy and flavorful. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream.
- Season to taste: Don't forget to season your macaroni and cheese with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to taste.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs will give your macaroni and cheese a crispy, golden-brown topping. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake your macaroni and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown on top. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients. Whether you are looking for a simple and easy recipe or a more complex and flavorful dish, there is sure to be a macaroni and cheese recipe that you will love. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give macaroni and cheese a try!
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