Healthy Macaroni Cheese
Indulge in the creamy comfort of 'Healthy Macaroni Cheese,' a lighter twist on a classic favorite that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This wholesome recipe swaps traditional pasta for hearty whole wheat macaroni, while a velvety cheese sauce made with low-fat cheddar, Greek yogurt, and unsweetened almond milk delivers rich, guilt-free satisfaction. A subtle infusion of Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powders adds depth to every bite, with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping for added texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this quick 30-minute dish is packed with wholesome ingredients like baby spinach for a nutritious boost. Whether baked to golden perfection or served straight from the stovetop, this healthy mac and cheese is comfort food reimagined!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams whole wheat macaroni
- 500 milliliters unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
- 120 grams low-fat cheddar cheese, grated
- 100 grams plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 100 grams baby spinach (optional)
- 2 tablespoons whole grain breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the whole wheat flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk), whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated low-fat cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the plain Greek yogurt to create a creamy and tangy sauce.
Optional: If you'd like to add greens, stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Optional: Transfer the macaroni cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with whole grain breadcrumbs, and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.
Serve warm and enjoy your Healthy Macaroni Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
406 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.6 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 628 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.4 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 23.0 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 530 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 478 mg | 10% | |
*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.
