Think you have to choose between serving your kids processed, boxed mac and cheese or the unhealthy fat-stuffed variety? Try this instead! This easy mac and cheese recipe derives only about 30% of calories from fat, yet still tastes amazing!
(Any information in the post is for general information purposes only and is NOT medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for individual medical and nutrition advice.)
Macaroni and cheese was one of my favorite foods as a kid and still is. My kids request mac and cheese ALL THE TIME, and I decided that a healthy, easy recipe was needed to please both the mom in me and my dietitian side.
To reduce the high levels of fat found in most macaroni and cheese recipes, I have eliminated the butter and replaced the cream or whole milk with skim milk. And yes, the milk is crucial to keep the dish moist. Don’t have skim milk? No problem! Just use whatever type of cow’s milk you have, though know it will change the nutrition content. Using a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) will not only change the nutrition content, but also the flavor. In addition, plant-based milks have varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrate, and the dish may not cook in the same way. I recommend sticking with cow’s milk for this recipe.
Making sure to keep this recipe packed with flavor, I use extra-sharp cheddar cheese along with a good parmesan cheese. While I won’t bash any particular brands, we all know that certain brands of parmesan just taste better than others. I often buy the store-brand grated parmesan to add to my foods, not only because it saves a little money, but it saves time over grating a block of cheese myself. Equally important, it has a stronger flavor than many brands, which goes best in this recipe.
Finally, to add just a little twist to the dish, I love adding just a hint of garlic. Until now, it has been my “secret ingredient” that keeps this macaroni and cheese savory and addicting. This is actually one recipe where I prefer to use garlic powder over minced garlic, as it dissolves in the milk and spreads the flavor evenly throughout the dish. Furthermore, it has a diminished flavor to add just a modest garlic taste and avoid overwhelming the dish.
Macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe is perfect for serving at birthday parties or taking to a pot-luck. It can even be placed hot in an insulated mug and packed for lunch or for dinner in the car (parents of athletes, you know what I’m talking about). It is packed with protein, so adding a simple vegetable on the side (like some broccoli) makes it a complete meal. However, if your family is like mine and needs some type of meat to serve with it, mac and cheese goes well with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or baked ham.
Easy and Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of elbow macaroni pasta (about 1 pound each)
- 16 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions
- In a 9 x 13 inch pan, add the milk and garlic powder and stir gently until well mixed
- Add the pasta, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese, and stir until well mixed
- Cover with aluminum foil, then bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes
Time-Saving Tip: For faster clean-up, lightly grease the pan with cooking spray prior to adding any ingredients
*Nutrition Information per serving (12 servings per dish)
- 450 Calories
- 15 g Total Fat
- 9 g Saturated Fat
- 19 g Protein
- 330 mg Sodium
- 59 g Total Carbohydrate
- 3 g Fiber
*Nutrition information is approximate and based on the products that I buy in my home. Information will vary based on the products purchased in your home.