Looking for a healthier version of the classic comfort food, mac and cheese? Look no further! This guilt-free mac n cheese offers a healthier take on the classic dish, without sacrificing any of its cheesy goodness. Made with whole wheat pasta, almond milk, and a blend of reduced-fat cheeses, this mac and cheese is a healthier choice that still delivers on flavor. And the best part? It's just as easy to make as the traditional version. In this article, you'll find two delicious recipes for guilt-free mac n cheese: one made with butternut squash and one made with cauliflower. Both recipes are packed with flavor and nutrients, and they're sure to satisfy your mac and cheese craving without leaving you feeling guilty. So gather your ingredients and let's get cooking!
Let's cook with our recipes!
GUILT FREE MAC AND CHEESE
I borrowed this recipe from the lifetime series "Cook Yourself Thin) It is cheesy and delicous with less than half the calories of regular
Provided by GingerlyJ
Categories Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 1 casserole, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the broiler.
- . Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- . While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly until golden, about 2 minutes. Continue whisking and add the milk in a slow, steady stream. Bring the mixture to a steady simmer, whisking constantly, and whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- . Drain the pasta in a colander. Remove the sauce from the heat, add the cheese, and stir until the cheese melts. Immediately add the hot, drained pasta and stir until well-coated. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and nutmeg.
- Divide the mac and cheese among four 6-ounce ovenproof ramekins and sprinkle 1 tablespoon bread crumbs over each. Broil until crumbs are golden and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to let the top burn. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.1, Fat 6.6, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 17.3, Sodium 432.1, Carbohydrate 35.9, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.3, Protein 17.6
GUILT-FREE BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC-N-CHEESE
This decadent Mac-N-Cheese dish is not only thick, creamy and velvety, but has just a dash of zing and also is 100% Guilt-Free! Don't take my word for it - try it and see for yourself and see. I'm sure you'll love it, just as much as my household did.
Provided by Mystic Eye Art
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- To a large pot, add the potatoes, carrots, onions and cashews and just enough water to cover the vegetables (about 6 cups). Heat the pot on medium-high and bring to a low boil and cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender and mashable, about 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture over a large bowl to catch the cooking fluid. Reserve this cooking fluid and use it in place of the vegetable stock, preferably and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Quinoa Macaroni according to the package instructions and set aside.
- To a blender, add the vegetable stock (or cooking fluid), coconut milk, cashew-vegetable mixture from step 2, yeast, lemon juice, garlic, celery seed, onion powder, salt, pepper, turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, cayenne pepper and cumin. Pulse a few times, then blend on high for 30-60 seconds (depending on your blender), or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste for salt and add more if needed.
- In a large bowl, fold the blended sauce into the cooked pasta and gently stir in the chicken sausage and parmesan.
- Spoon the mixture into single serving bowls.
- Optional: Add a few dashes of hot sauce and garnish with the parsley and dash of paprika.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.3, Fat 21.4, SaturatedFat 7.7, Cholesterol 70.2, Sodium 1519, Carbohydrate 67.1, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 4.8, Protein 23.2
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Look for a sharp cheddar cheese that melts well, and use whole milk or half-and-half instead of skim milk.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for mac and cheese, as it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. It's essential for a smooth and creamy mac and cheese.
- Use a variety of cheeses. Mixing different types of cheeses will create a more complex and flavorful cheese sauce. Try using a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Season the cheese sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste until the cheese sauce is flavorful and delicious.
- Add vegetables or protein. To make your mac and cheese more filling and nutritious, add some vegetables or protein. Some popular options include broccoli, cauliflower, chicken, and sausage.
- Serve immediately. Mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. It can be reheated, but it will lose some of its creaminess.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. With so many different recipes to choose from, you're sure to find a mac and cheese recipe that you'll love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these guilt-free mac and cheese recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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