Best 5 Makeover Creamy Mac Cheese Recipes

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**Mac and cheese**, a classic dish loved by people of all ages, is a delightful combination of tender pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or even as a comfort food. With its ability to satisfy both kids and adults alike, mac and cheese has become a staple in many households.

This article presents an exciting collection of mac and cheese recipes that showcase the endless possibilities of this iconic dish. From the classic baked mac and cheese to unique variations featuring different ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors, these recipes will satisfy every mac and cheese lover's cravings.

**1. Classic Baked Mac and Cheese:**

This recipe takes you back to the basics with a traditional baked mac and cheese. Using a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this dish delivers a creamy, gooey texture with a golden-brown crust. The step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect mac and cheese every time.

**2. Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese:**

For those with dietary restrictions or a preference for plant-based meals, this creamy vegan mac and cheese is a delightful alternative. Made with a blend of dairy-free milk, nutritional yeast, and vegetables, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious take on the classic dish.

**3. One-Pot Stovetop Mac and Cheese:**

Short on time? This one-pot stovetop mac and cheese is your savior. Using a single pot, you can whip up a quick and easy mac and cheese that's perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe includes tips for achieving a perfectly creamy sauce without any hassle.

**4. Lobster Mac and Cheese:**

For a luxurious and indulgent meal, try this lobster mac and cheese. Combining succulent lobster meat with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, this recipe elevates the classic dish to a whole new level. It's perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.

**5. Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese:**

If you love a spicy kick, this jalapeño popper mac and cheese is calling your name. Featuring a blend of cheddar, cream cheese, and jalapeños, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. It's sure to become a favorite among those who enjoy a little spice in their mac and cheese.

**6. Baked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:**

Craving a game day snack or a satisfying meal? Look no further than this baked buffalo chicken mac and cheese. Combining tender chicken coated in a spicy buffalo sauce with a creamy mac and cheese, this recipe is a party in your mouth.

**7. Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese:**

For a hearty and satisfying mac and cheese experience, try this bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese. Imagine a combination of juicy bacon, melted cheese, and ground beef, all nestled within a creamy mac and cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for a casual meal or a potluck.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAKEOVER CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

With its creamy consistency and two different cheeses, this entree captures the essence of comfort food. But here's the kicker: it's been slimmed down for you so you can enjoy it without over indulging. -Darcie Zerniak, Ontario, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 pound reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Minced chives, optional

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat; stir in the sour cream, process cheese, Parmesan, mustard and pepper until smooth. , Drain macaroni; stir in cheddar cheese. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Add cream sauce and mix well. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with chives if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 18g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 61mg cholesterol, Sodium 842mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

MAKEOVER CREAMY MAC & CHEESE



Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness-but is lighter on calories. -April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fat-free milk
3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
sliced cherry tomatoes and minced chives

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk flour, seasonings and half-and-half until smooth. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Add milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray., For optional topping, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture; top with cheese. , Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes . Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 354mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

MACARONI AND CHEESE (MAKEOVER)



Macaroni and Cheese (Makeover) image

From Betty's Soul Food Collection... Love mac 'n cheese but not all the fat? Take comfort in our new and improved recipe, using fat-free sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (8 oz)
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion or 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
2 tablespoons Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain macaroni as directed on package. Return to saucepan; stir in sour cream. 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, onion, flour, mustard, seasoned salt, red pepper and black 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 mixture; mix well. Spoon into baking dish. In small bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over casserole.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 20 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 740 mg, Sugar 7 g, TransFat 0 g

MAKEOVER CREAMY MAC & CHEESE RECIPE - (4.8/5)



Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe - (4.8/5) image

Provided by VerneJ

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fat-free half and half
2 tablespoon butter
2 cups fat-free milk
3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
OPTIONAL TOPPING
2 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
5 cups cubed bread
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk flour, seasonings and half and half until smooth. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in half and half mixture. Add milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. For optional topping, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add bread; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle bread mixture over macaroni mixture; top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the topping is lightly browned. From: Taste of Home (Feb/Mar 2014) Nutritional Facts per serving (without topping): 343 calories, 11g fat (6g sat.), 31mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 18g protein.

MAKEOVER CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by looneytunesfan

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups nonfat milk
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup nonfat sour cream
1/2 lb Velveeta reduced fat cheese product, cubed
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
chives, minced (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Reduce heat; stir in the sour cream, process cheese, Parmesan, mustard and pepper until smooth.
  • Drain macaroni; stir in cheddar cheese. Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Add cream sauce and mix well. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with chives if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 38.4, Sodium 666.7, Carbohydrate 39.2, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 8.6, Protein 16

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This means cooking it until it's just tender, but not mushy. This will help prevent the macaroni from becoming overcooked and mushy in the sauce.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your mac and cheese a creamy, smooth texture.
  • Use milk and cream: Milk and cream will help to make your mac and cheese creamy and rich. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even almond milk. If you use cream, use it sparingly, as it can make the mac and cheese too heavy.
  • Add some seasonings: Season your mac and cheese with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder, to taste.
  • Top it with something crunchy: A crunchy topping will add texture and flavor to your mac and cheese. You can use bread crumbs, crushed potato chips, or even bacon bits.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious mac and cheese that will be the hit of your next party or potluck.

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