Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this *Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese*, a wholesome twist on a beloved classic. Made with nutrient-packed whole-grain macaroni, a creamy low-fat cheese sauce infused with almond milk and Dijon mustard, and a hidden boost of thawed spinach, this dish delivers indulgent flavor without the guilt. The crispy whole grain breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, while the reduced-fat sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave. Ready in just under an hour, this nutritious baked macaroni recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Packed with flavor and lighter ingredients, it's a healthier comfort food that’s sure to delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Whole-grain macaroni pasta
- 500 milliliters Unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
- 150 grams Reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (or unsalted butter)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
- 100 grams Frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 50 grams Whole grain breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually add the almond milk, whisking to combine, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the drained spinach to the cheese sauce and mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the whole grain breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
475 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.8 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 865 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 24.0 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 647 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 409 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
