Best 3 Healthy Macaroni Cheese Recipes

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. This versatile dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there to suit your needs.

This article features three delicious and healthy macaroni and cheese recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. The first recipe is a classic macaroni and cheese made with whole wheat pasta, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The second recipe is a baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. The third recipe is a one-pot macaroni and cheese made with cauliflower, making it a healthier and lower-carb option. All three recipes are easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. So what are you waiting for? Give one of these recipes a try tonight!

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

HEALTHY BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE

Healthy Baked Macaroni & Cheese image

A delicious healthy alternative to macaroni and cheese. Very quick and easy to make and homemade is always so much better! I will sometimes add chicken or spinach and turn it into a main dish.

Provided by jenlyn33922

Categories Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 1/2 cup, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni
15 ounces fat-free ricotta cheese
1 3/4 cups skim milk
1/2 cup Egg Beaters egg substitute (r)
2 teaspoons brown mustard
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
8 ounces fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fat-free parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

I like to use the healthy choice or smart balance cheeses. Use Tabasco to taste of course--my husband likes it spicy!
Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9x13 or 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray oil.
Cook macaroni according to package directions.
In a food processor or blender, mix ricotta cheese, milk, egg substitute, mustard, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper.
Process until smooth.
Drain macaroni, return to pot and add shredded cheddar. Stir until cheese melts. Stir in ricotta mixture and scrape into prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni and cheese.
Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

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.

EASY HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE CASSEROLE

EASY HEALTHY MACARONI & CHEESE CASSEROLE image

Categories Cheese Bake Kid-Friendly Healthy

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 small boxes or 1 large box of Elbow Macaroni (preferably whole wheat)
1 large can of Tomato Juice
10 ounces low fat extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed
10 ounces of part skim Mozzerella, cubed
Parmessan and/or Romano cheese, grated

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir pasta into a pot of boiling water and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and in a large ovenproof glass dish, stir together pasta and cubed cheeses. Shake can of tomato juice well. Pour only enough juice over macaroni and cheese until almost covered. Sprinkle top with grated Parmessan and/or Romano cheese. Bake macaroni and cheese in middle of oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling, and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

Use whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce calories and fat.
Add vegetables to the sauce for extra nutrition.
Bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven until it is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve the macaroni and cheese with a side salad or fruit.

Conclusion:

This healthy macaroni and cheese recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With a few simple substitutions, you can make a healthier version of this dish that is still just as satisfying. So next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, try this recipe. You won't be disappointed.