Best 4 Lightened Up Macaroni And Cheese Recipes
Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that's also a bit lighter on calories? This Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect recipe for you! Made with reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and whole wheat pasta, this dish is a healthier take on a classic comfort food. Plus, it's packed with flavor thanks to the addition of sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
But that's not all! This article also includes three other macaroni and cheese recipes, each with its own unique twist. The Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Macaroni and Cheese is a flavorful and colorful dish that's perfect for a special occasion. The Roasted Red Pepper Macaroni and Cheese has a smoky and roasted flavor that's sure to please everyone at the table. And the Broccoli Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that's made even better with the addition of fresh broccoli.
No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. So gather your ingredients and let's get cooking!
LIGHTENED-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE
Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese? This lightened-up version is sure to please those who want to indulge without the extra calories!
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Noodle Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
- Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
- Stir 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and tapioca together in a saucepan. Whisk in remaining milk. Stir in Cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens a bit and cheese is completely melted. Drain pasta and stir into the sauce. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
- Cook under the broiler until top browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.5 g, Cholesterol 26.4 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 400.6 mg, Sugar 4 g
MAKEOVER MACARONI AND CHEESE
Creamy and cheesy with comfort in every bite, this lightened-up classic is sure to become a family favorite at your house, too! -Nancy Langrock, Southbury, Connecticut
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in process cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until smooth. Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce., Remove from the heat; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 944mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey mac-and-cheese classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give it just the right spice. -James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner Side Dishes
Time 1h
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in boiling water until almost tender; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and pepper sauce until smooth. Cook for 1 minute or until bubbly. Stir in the macaroni, milk and 4 cups cheese. , Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts :
LIGHTENED UP MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is a lightened up version of the macaroni and cheese my mom used to make, and a recipe that I've been making for many years now. It has a mild flavor and is very creamy and delicious. I am posting this to see the calorie content.
Provided by Lola59
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Melt butter in medium sized saucepan. Stir in flour, salt, pepper (I usually make mine without pepper, as I prefer it that way), and dry mustard. Cook a minute or two on medium heat.
- 2. Gradually stir in milk. Stir constantly at medium heat for 10 minutes, or until thick. Remove from heat.
- 3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Stir in hot cooked elbow macaroni and cubed ham.
- 4. Pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over top, and then sprinkle bread crumbs.
- 5. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 283.1, Fat 6.1, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 25, Sodium 846.3, Carbohydrate 40.8, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 6.1, Protein 15.2
Tips:
- Use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase the nutritional value of the macaroni and cheese.
- Add a variety of vegetables to the macaroni and cheese, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or chopped carrots, to boost its nutritional content and flavor.
- Use a low-fat or nonfat milk to reduce the fat content of the macaroni and cheese.
- Use a reduced-fat or fat-free cheese to further reduce the fat content of the macaroni and cheese.
- Add a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt to the macaroni and cheese for a tangy flavor and extra protein.
- Use a light breadcrumb topping instead of a buttered breadcrumb topping to reduce the fat content of the macaroni and cheese.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a healthier meal.
Conclusion:
This Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and healthier version of the classic comfort food. By using a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, adding vegetables, and using low-fat or nonfat milk and cheese, you can reduce the fat and calories in this dish without sacrificing flavor. This macaroni and cheese is also a good source of protein and fiber, making it a more satisfying meal. So next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, try this lightened-up version. You won't be disappointed!
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