Best 2 Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a healthier version of the classic comfort food with our baked macaroni and cheese recipe. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your health. Made with whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and a blend of reduced-fat cheeses, this macaroni and cheese is a guilt-free delight.

This recipe features three variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. The classic macaroni and cheese is a timeless favorite, offering a creamy and cheesy experience. For a healthier twist, the lightened-up version uses nonfat milk and reduced-fat cheeses, resulting in a dish that is lower in calories and fat without sacrificing flavor. And for those with a vegan lifestyle, the dairy-free macaroni and cheese is a delicious alternative made with almond milk, nutritional yeast, and a combination of plant-based cheeses.

Each variation is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you prefer a crispy breadcrumb topping, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, or a tangy addition like diced tomatoes or roasted vegetables, this baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your liking.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

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

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
1 egg
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

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

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

Tips:

Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex flavor. A good combination is to use a sharp cheddar, a mild cheddar, and a Parmesan.
Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and will not hold its shape well.
Make sure the cheese sauce is thick enough. It should be able to coat the macaroni evenly without being runny. If the sauce is too thin, add more cheese or cornstarch.
Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will give it a crispy topping and a gooey center.
Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to serve.

Conclusion:

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is both delicious and healthy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!