Best 4 Healthy Mac Cheese With Bechamel Cheddar Sauce Recipes
Indulge in a healthier version of the classic comfort food with this delightful mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy béchamel sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Made with whole wheat pasta and wholesome ingredients, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious meal. The béchamel sauce, crafted from a roux of butter and flour, is enriched with milk and seasoned with nutmeg, creating a smooth and flavorful base. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold and cheesy taste, while the whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. This mac and cheese is not only a healthier choice but also a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
In addition to the main recipe, the article also includes variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For a vegan alternative, a recipe with a creamy cashew sauce and nutritional yeast is provided. Those seeking a gluten-free option can explore the recipe using gluten-free pasta and a béchamel sauce made with cornstarch. Furthermore, a recipe for a baked mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping is included, offering a delightful crunch and golden-brown finish. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a delicious and satisfying mac and cheese experience, while accommodating various dietary needs and preferences.
HEALTHY MAC & CHEESE WITH BECHAMEL-CHEDDAR SAUCE
Developed this recipe on my own, inspired by multiple recipes I found online. The evaporated milk helps the cheese sauce stay creamy and not curdle when cooked. 100% whole wheat pasta and bread give this recipe a healthy take that adults and children will love!
Provided by Silly_Mommy
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add macaroni, bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-high heat until al dente (a little less than fully cooked). Set aside ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and immediately rinse with cold water.
- In the same pot used for the macaroni, melt butter and add flour. Whisk until mixture looks like a paste and is light beige in color. Slowly pour in evaporated milk while whisking, and continue until fully incorperated. Simmer and stir for another 3-4 minutes for sauce to thicken Stir in nutmeg, mustard, and salt.
- Remove from heat and add cheese and pasta water. Continue stiring until cheese is fully melted. Pour macaroni back into and stir until fully mixed with sauce.
- (This step is for topping.) Break apart bread in large peices and pulse in food processor with melted butter until bread is in small crumbs. Mix with cheese and cayenne pepper and set aside.
- Pour macaroni mixture into a 9x13 casserole dishes and spread bread/cheese mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Remove from oven when top is slightly browned and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE
Serves 2, with just 293 calories, 14 g protein, 39 g carbs, & 7.5 g Total fat per filling serving. Far fewer carbs & saturated fat than the usual recipe; plus recipe uses Dreamfield's pasta, which is high in protein, has just 5 grams of digestible carbs per serving, a 65% lower glycemic index & twice the fiber of regular pasta:
Provided by HealthyChocolate
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 15m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Boil macaroni for about 11 minutes. Drain water, add olive oil & cheese, stir to melt cheese.
- Add onions, milk, & parsley, stir again. Easy!
- Optional additional thickener: ½ cup undiluted Campbell's 98% fat free Cream of Chicken soup......................................................... 70 cal, 10 g carbs, 2 g protein, 10 mg. cholesterol, Total fat 2.5 g (Sat. fst 1 g, Trans fat o g).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.5, Fat 7.7, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 1.2, Sodium 40.3, Carbohydrate 44.7, Fiber 2, Sugar 1.8, Protein 9.5
MACARONI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 entree servings, 8 side servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, add flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about 3 minutes. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg and cayenne. Taste and add a little salt, if you like. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning over and over in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a flameproof baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place baking dish under a hot broiler and brown the Cheddar cheese on top.
WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! -Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pot., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and seasonings until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Add to pasta; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 650 calories, Fat 35g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 607mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 27g protein.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is the star of the show in this dish, so it's important to use a good quality cheddar. Look for a cheese that is sharp and flavorful.
- Make sure the béchamel sauce is thick enough: The béchamel sauce should be thick enough to coat the macaroni and cheese. If it's too thin, the dish will be runny and watery.
- Don't overcook the macaroni: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it will become mushy.
- Add some vegetables: This is a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, and peas.
- Top with bread crumbs: This will give the dish a nice crunchy topping.
Conclusion:
This healthy mac and cheese with béchamel cheddar sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. 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!
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