Best 5 Light Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipes
**Macaroni and cheese**, a classic comfort food dish, is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. This baked macaroni and cheese is a lighter version of the traditional recipe, using reduced-fat cheese and whole-wheat macaroni. Our baked macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish for a potluck, this baked macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit.
Here are some of the variations on this recipe that we'll be exploring:
* **Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** This is the basic recipe that we'll be using as a starting point. It's made with whole-wheat macaroni, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, butter, milk, and seasonings.
* **Lightened-Up Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** This version uses nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat macaroni to create a lighter version of the classic dish.
* **Loaded Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe takes the classic baked macaroni and cheese and adds in a variety of mix-ins, such as bacon, broccoli, and tomatoes.
* **Cheesy Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe is perfect for those who love broccoli. It's made with whole-wheat macaroni, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce.
* **Chicken and Bacon Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a potluck or a special occasion. It's made with whole-wheat macaroni, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, chicken, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce.
No matter which variation you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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
LIGHT BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is a kid-friendly, adult-pleasing recipe for the traditional baked macaroni and cheese. It is a slightly lighter version using some light cheddar cheese, Velveeta and skim milk.
Provided by d1anechocolate
Categories Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In medium saucepan, combine first 4 ingredients; stir in milk.
- Add margarine; stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheese and 1/2 cup Velveeta.
- Add elbows.
- Pour into greased 2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with rest of cheddar, grated parmesan and bread crumbs.
- Bake uncovered in 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 547.3, Fat 19.6, SaturatedFat 9.2, Cholesterol 41.2, Sodium 1148.9, Carbohydrate 63.4, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 1.8, Protein 27.9
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
- For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
- For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.
THE EASIEST BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE
There may be lots of recipes out there for macaroni and cheese, but this is the first one I ever found that you don't have to cook the macaroni before you bake it. It is also really simple to put together - all in the casserole dish you are baking it in! I got this from a newsletter of an organization. I take this to potlucks all the time and I always come home with none of it left. It's a dish I'm constantly handing out the recipe for; be sure not to use cheese that has been frozen and thawed because it will ruin the consistency of the dish. You can also cut down on the butter if you would like to lose some of the fat. This is not a real creamy cheesy type of macaroni and cheese, which can sometimes be a little too rich for our tastes. I've made those, but my family prefers this kind over any other.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Cheese
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt butter in microwave.
- Pour macaroni in 2-3 quart casserole dish. Pour butter over macaroni. Stir well to coat.
- Add salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Add cheese. Sometimes I may use a mixture of monterey, colby and cheddar, depending on what I have at the time. Mix well.
- Add milk. Do not stir.
- Bake uncovered in oven for 60 minutes. I do think this tastes best when it is still hot from the oven.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 704, Fat 37.3, SaturatedFat 23.1, Cholesterol 116.4, Sodium 1131.8, Carbohydrate 61.2, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 2, Protein 30.7
BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. -Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain., In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 834mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses: Combining different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creates a more complex and flavorful macaroni and cheese.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, or slightly undercook it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its shape.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. A roux will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or watery.
- Use milk or cream: Milk or cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or a combination of the two.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs adds a crispy texture to the macaroni and cheese. You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion:
This light baked macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is made with whole wheat macaroni, low-fat cheese, and nonfat milk, so it is a healthier version of the classic dish. The macaroni and cheese is also baked in the oven, which gives it a crispy topping. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
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