Best 5 Family Favorite Macaroni And Cheese Lighter Recipes

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our collection of macaroni and cheese recipes, specially curated to satisfy every palate. From the classic baked macaroni and cheese, a timeless favorite with a golden-brown crust and creamy interior, to the lighter version that offers a healthier twist without compromising on flavor, this article has it all. Explore the Southern-style macaroni and cheese, a delightful rendition with a kick of spice and a crispy panko topping, and the one-pot macaroni and cheese, a quick and easy weeknight meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. For those with dietary restrictions, the gluten-free macaroni and cheese provides a delicious alternative, while the vegan macaroni and cheese offers a plant-based option that's equally satisfying. With step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations for each recipe, this article is your ultimate guide to creating the perfect macaroni and cheese that will become a family favorite.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  • Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg

LIGHTER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lighter Macaroni and Cheese image

These individual mac-and-cheese casseroles call for pungent Parmesan and extra-sharp cheddar, which means the noodles get away with less-than-usual amounts of cheese. Low-fat milk, chicken stock, and olive oil keep the sauce creamy.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 small vine-ripened tomatoes (3-inch) cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for sprinkling
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
5 slices white sandwich bread, with crust
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cups low-fat (1 percent) milk
8 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 ounce (about 1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread tomatoes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle each sheet with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes have softened, about 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)
  • Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with remaining tablespoon oil in amedium skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
  • Whisk 1/2 cup stock into the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add milk and remaining 1 1/2 cups stock. Whisk in flour mixture. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce to a simmer. Cook 8 minutes, whisking frequently. Add cheeses; cook, stirring, until melted. Pour over macaroni, stirring to combine.
  • Put eight 4 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch ramekins on a baking sheet. Put 2 tomato slices in bottom of each ramekin. Divide macaroni mixture evenly among ramekins. Top each with a tomato slice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme sprigs. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

I found this recipe in a Taste of Home publication awhile back. I had written it out and stuck it in my 'to try' binder. A few months ago I made it for the first time... it's now my absolute favorite baked macaroni and cheese recipe! (with it tweaked for my own tastes). Enjoy!

Provided by ErikaNY

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter (I use margarine) or 1/4 cup margarine (I use margarine)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (I use a squirt of yellow mustard)
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
1/8 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook elbow macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a 3 quart saucepan over low heat.
  • Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in milk.
  • Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
  • Boil and stir for 1 minute.
  • Stir in cheese.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni when done. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce and pour into ungreased 2 quart baking dish.
  • Mix together bread crumbs and parmesan cheese; sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.3, Fat 24.2, SaturatedFat 15, Cholesterol 72.2, Sodium 597.6, Carbohydrate 36.3, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.3, Protein 18

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE (LIGHTER RECIPE)



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (Lighter Recipe) image

Make and share this Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (Lighter Recipe) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by JennaScarfe

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
2 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups nonfat milk (skim)
1 1/2 cups reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350ºF.
  • Cook macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.6, Fat 9.8, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 11.3, Sodium 686.5, Carbohydrate 52.2, Fiber 2, Sugar 7.5, Protein 22.3

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese. A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can use any type of cheese that you like.
  • Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be tender, 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. It also adds a rich, creamy flavor.
  • Use milk or cream. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or even almond milk. If you use cream, the sauce will be richer and more flavorful.
  • Add seasonings. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are classic seasonings for macaroni and cheese. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as paprika, onion powder, or chili powder.
  • Top it off. Before baking, sprinkle the macaroni and cheese with bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese. This will give it a golden brown crust.

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 ingredients and flavors. Whether you like it simple or cheesy, baked or grilled, there is a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try.

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