Best 6 Lower Fat Baked Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a guilt-free comfort food experience with our delectable selection of lower-fat baked mac and cheese recipes. These recipes offer a healthier twist on the classic dish, featuring reduced-fat cheese, alternative cooking methods, and wholesome ingredients. From a light and fluffy version using cottage cheese to a hearty and flavorful one made with cauliflower, there's a recipe to suit every palate and dietary preference.

Dive into the creamy goodness of our "Light and Fluffy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese," where cottage cheese replaces traditional cheese, resulting in a lighter and airier texture. For a healthier take on the classic, try our "Reduced-Fat Cheddar Mac and Cheese," which uses a blend of reduced-fat cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, providing a satisfying cheesy experience without compromising on taste.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, our "Gluten-Free Baked Mac and Cheese" has got you covered. Made with almond flour and tapioca flour, this recipe delivers a delightful mac and cheese experience that's also suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

For a healthier twist on the traditional macaroni, our "Cauliflower Mac and Cheese" incorporates cauliflower into the dish, adding a boost of nutrients and reducing the overall calorie count. And for a vegan alternative, our "Vegan Mac and Cheese" uses a blend of plant-based milks and cheeses, creating a creamy and flavorful dish that's entirely dairy-free.

Whether you're seeking a healthier version of your comfort food favorite or exploring new dietary options, our lower-fat baked mac and cheese recipes offer a delicious and satisfying culinary journey.

Let's cook with our recipes!

YUMMY LOW-FAT MAC & CHEESE



Yummy Low-Fat Mac & Cheese image

Make and share this Yummy Low-Fat Mac & Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Absolutely Bananas

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups nonfat milk
1 cup nonfat sour cream
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (from about 2 cups dried)
1/4 cup corn flake crumbs or 1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Coat 2 quart casserole with nonstick spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Melt butter in medium saucepan. stir in flour, mustard, paprika, and salt. slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until there are no lumps in the flour. continue to stir with whisk, raise the heat, and cook until milk bubbles and thickens. Remove from stovetop and stir in sour cream, egg, and cheese.
  • Toss macaroni and the cheese mixture together in a bowl and then pour it into the casserole. Top with the cornflake crumbs. Set in the oven and bake for 20 min, or until bubbling around edges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253.8, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 41.1, Sodium 271.9, Carbohydrate 41.9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 6.9, Protein 11.1

HEALTHIER HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE



Healthier Homemade Mac and Cheese image

To make this rich mac and cheese recipe healthier we use whole wheat bread crumbs, low-fat milk and cheese, whole wheat noodles, and reduced the amount of butter. Serve with a salad for a healthy meatless dinner.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     Pasta and Noodles     Noodle Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package whole wheat macaroni (such as Smart Taste®)
2 tablespoons butter
2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups low-fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk to roux, stirring constantly. Stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is thick, about 3 minutes. Place macaroni in large baking dish and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and stir until butter is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread over macaroni to cover. Sprinkle with paprika.
  • Bake in preheated oven until cheese sauce is hot and breadcrumbs are browned, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 770.4 calories, Carbohydrate 106.6 g, Cholesterol 60.3 mg, Fat 22.4 g, Fiber 10.6 g, Protein 42.5 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 750.2 mg, Sugar 9.6 g

LIGHTENED-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese image

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

cooking spray
6 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated skim milk, divided
1 teaspoon tapioca starch
5 ounces low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch cayenne pepper

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

REDUCED FAT MAC AND CHEESE



Reduced Fat Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups small dry elbow macaroni
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 cups low-fat 1% milk
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of ground red pepper (cayenne)
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
2 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
8 ounces Cabot 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, grated & divided (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup Italian-flavored or plain dry breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain well.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Place flour in a large saucepan over medium heat, gradually whisking in milk. Add mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper and Worcestershire. Continue cooking until sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until well blended; add 2/3 of shredded cheese and stir until melted. Add macaroni, stirring until well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish.
  • Toss remaining shredded cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over top of macaroni; spray with cooking spray.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling throughout.

SKINNY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Skinny Macaroni and Cheese image

59% less fat • 54% less sat fat • 24% fewer calories than the original recipe. Make it "my mac and cheese" with simple changes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups uncooked regular or whole wheat elbow macaroni (8 oz)
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain macaroni as directed on package. Return to saucepan; cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with wire whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
  • Add cheese sauce to cooked macaroni; mix well. Spoon into baking dish.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 640 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

LOWER FAT BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Lower Fat Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is the result of me playing with my MIL's baked mac and cheese recipe. IMHO it captures the flavor and texture of the original recipe without leaving a greasy feeling in the mouth. Hope you enjoy it!

Provided by smellyvegetarian

Categories     Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

7 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon Smart Balance butter spread
2 ounces Velveeta reduced fat cheese product
3/4 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 and coat an 8x8 pan with cooking spray.
  • Cook pasta according to box directions until just done. Drain briefly, then return pasta to the cooking pot (it should still be warm).
  • Add Smart Balance, Velveeta, milk, and 1/2 c cheddar cheese and stir until the cheeses melt. You may need to put the pan back on a burner for this.
  • Pour pasta mixture into greased pan and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle remaining 1/4 c cheese on top and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the top is as crunchy as you like it :).

Tips:

  • Use low-fat or non-fat milk and cheese to reduce the fat content of the dish. Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese or sharp cheddar cheese are good choices.
  • Use whole wheat or whole grain pasta for a healthier alternative to regular pasta.
  • Add vegetables to the mac and cheese, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach, to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
  • Use a light roux to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour. To make a light roux, use 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of flour.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, or until it is al dente.
  • Use a baking dish that is large enough to accommodate the pasta and cheese sauce without overcrowding. A 9x13 inch baking dish is a good size.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving so that it has a chance to set.

Conclusion:

Lower-fat baked mac and cheese is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese. By using low-fat or non-fat milk and cheese, whole wheat or whole grain pasta, and vegetables, you can reduce the fat and calories in the dish without sacrificing any of the flavor. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck party. It is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!

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