Healthier Homemade Mac and Cheese

4.2
(32)

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.

close up view of baked Mac and Cheese in a white baking dish
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 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

Directions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Bake in preheated oven until cheese sauce is hot and breadcrumbs are browned, about 30 minutes.

Editor's Note:

This recipe is a healthier version of Homemade Mac and Cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

770 Calories
22g Fat
107g Carbs
43g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 770
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 29%
Saturated Fat 13g 66%
Cholesterol 60mg 20%
Sodium 750mg 33%
Total Carbohydrate 107g 39%
Dietary Fiber 11g 38%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 43g 85%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 624mg 48%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 621mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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