Best 4 Low Fat Macaroni Cheese Recipes

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is typically made with macaroni pasta, cheese, milk, and butter. However, this low-fat macaroni and cheese recipe uses low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat macaroni to create a healthier version of this classic dish. Additionally, this recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and peas, to add flavor and nutrients. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and hidden vegetables, this low-fat macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

This article features three different low-fat macaroni and cheese recipes to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. The first recipe is a basic low-fat macaroni and cheese made with low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat macaroni. The second recipe is a vegetarian low-fat macaroni and cheese that includes a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and peas. The third recipe is a gluten-free low-fat macaroni and cheese made with gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free cheese alternative. All three recipes are easy to follow and can be made in under an hour. So whether you are looking for a healthier version of a classic comfort food dish or a macaroni and cheese recipe that meets your dietary restrictions, you are sure to find a recipe in this article that you will enjoy.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LOW-FAT MACARONI AND CHEESE

Low-Fat Macaroni and Cheese image

"When I want a super side dish that's real old-fashioned comfort food, I make a batch of this macaroni and cheese," notes field editor Joanie Elbourn of Gardner, Massachusetts.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup fat-free milk
1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2/3 cup fat-free cottage cheese
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pepper to taste
2-1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon grated onion
Paprika

Steps:

In a blender or food processor, combine the milk, cheeses, flour and pepper. Cover and process until creamy. Pour into a bowl; stir in macaroni and onion. Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 395mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LOW FAT MEXICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE

Low Fat Mexican Macaroni and Cheese image

Found this in a Weight Watcher's cookbook of recipes from the magazine in 2000. This is fast to make and has a nice flavour. Not a zingy dish, but the kids and I enjoyed it. 2/3 of a cup is 3 WW points.

Provided by ladypit

Categories Mexican

Time 20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
5 ounces light processed cheese (Light Velveeta)
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa

Steps:

Boil water for the macaroni. Cook the noodles in the water until done, usually 7-9 minutes.
While the noodles are cooking cube the cheese.
When the noodles are done drain them and then return to the pan.
Add the cubed cheese and taco seasoning. Stir well, until the cheese is melted.
When melted, add the salsa and serve.

CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE - NOT LOW FAT!

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Not Low Fat! image

Combined a few recipes together and this is the BEST I came up with. Cheesy - Creamy Crusty top and easy to reheat with putting a little bit more milk into and on top of the leftovers and covering with foil putting back into the oven for 1/2 hour

Provided by Cathy Pete

Categories Pasta Shells

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lb medium shell macaroni noodles
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1 egg, beaten
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
1 lb processed cheese, cut into cubes like Velveeta cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

Boil noodles according to package.
After noodles are drained and have cooled for a few minutes, put them in a big bowl and mix with beaten egg.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 9x13 pan.
In a pan cook butter, salt, pepper, ground mustard and flour and stir until smooth.
Remove from heat add milk, return to heat and bring to a boil.
Boil 1 minute.
Remove from heat and add cheeses, stir until melted.
Pour over noodles that are in a bowl stir, pour into greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown and crusty!

FOUR CHEESE MACARONI - LOW FAT & DELICIOUS!

Four Cheese Macaroni - Low Fat & Delicious! image

From Chef Juan Carlos Cruz-"Calorie Commando" on Food Network- comes this delicious comfort food without the guilt. We had this tonight with grilled pork chops, seasoned green beans and spiced apples. I followed the recipe to the letter and husband, son and I thought it was delicious. Note: it is not at all soupy, so if you like your mac runny, add more milk! Also, we felt it needed salt and fresh ground pepper at the table.

Provided by Princess Pea

Categories Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray
salt
3 cups elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/3 cups 1% low-fat milk
3/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
4 ounces Velveeta reduced fat cheese product
1/2 cup Japanese-style bread crumbs (panko)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to boil.
Salt water.
Add macaroni, and cook until al dente.
Drain into a colander.
Run under cold water and set aside.
While pasta is cooking, combine flour and milk in a large saucepan, whisking until blended.
Cook over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add cheeses and cook until melted and thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle bread crumbs over top.
Bake until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297, Fat 7.8, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 26.7, Sodium 441.4, Carbohydrate 39.9, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 6.2, Protein 15.9

Tips:

For a healthier macaroni and cheese, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk.
Add nonfat Greek yogurt to the cheese sauce for a creamy and tangy flavor.
To reduce the fat content even more, use skim milk and nonfat cheese.
Add your favorite vegetables to the macaroni and cheese, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.
Use a variety of cheeses to create a more complex flavor. Some good options include cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Top the macaroni and cheese with bread crumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy topping.
Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving so that it has a chance to set.

Conclusion:

Low-fat macaroni and cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. By following the tips above, you can make a low-fat macaroni and cheese that is both healthy and delicious.