Best 2 Healthier Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipes

Calling all mac and cheese lovers! Get ready to elevate your favorite comfort food with a healthier, homemade twist. This recipe collection brings you a variety of delicious mac and cheese dishes that are not only packed with flavor but also mindful of your well-being. From classic to unique variations, these recipes cater to different dietary preferences and cooking styles. Indulge in creamy and cheesy goodness without compromising on health. Explore a range of options, including a lighter version with cauliflower, a vegan delight made with almond milk, and a flavorful baked mac and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Let's embark on a culinary journey that combines taste and nourishment, transforming mac and cheese into a healthier, homemade masterpiece.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

HEALTHIER HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE

Healthier Homemade Mac and Cheese image

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

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat macaroni (such as Smart Taste®)
2 tablespoons butter
2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups low-fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1 pinch paprika

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

HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE

Healthy Macaroni & Cheese image

I love macaroni and cheese! I've been looking for a healthy replacement of the old from the box standard. I heard you could mix in veggies and that sounds like a plus! I copied this recipe, but wanted to know the nutrition facts for a low-fat cheese.

Provided by jennifurlynn

Categories < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat pasta
1/4 cup carrot, shredded very fine
1/4 cup broccoli floret, chopped very fine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

Boil pasta according to package directions.
Drain and place back into boiling pot.
Leave burner on low-med.
Do not rinse.
Add olive oil and salt to noodles and stir to cover noodles.
Add carrots and broccoli and stir.
Add cheese.
Stir until melted over low-med heat.
Serve.

Tips:

Use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for a healthier twist on this classic dish.
Roast your own cauliflower for the ultimate in flavor and texture.
Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination. A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan is always a winner.
Add your favorite vegetables to the sauce for a boost of nutrition.
Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make it ahead of time! This dish can be assembled and baked up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Conclusion:

This healthier homemade mac and cheese recipe is the perfect comfort food. It's creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, but it's also made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about feeding your family. Plus, it's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're craving mac and cheese, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.