Low Sodium Homemade Mac n Cheese
Indulge in creamy, homemade comfort with this Low Sodium Homemade Mac n Cheese recipe, a healthier twist on a classic favorite! Featuring al dente elbow macaroni enrobed in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish skips the salt without sacrificing flavor. A luscious blend of unsalted butter, whole milk, and a pinch of bold seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard creates a silky, rich base that's irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a lower-sodium comfort food, this mac and cheese comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal for the whole family. Garnish with a dash of paprika and serve it warm for a wholesome, indulgent side or main course!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, constantly stirring to form a smooth paste (roux).
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, pouring slowly and stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 3–5 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and ensure all pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of paprika for a splash of color, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2810 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.0 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.4 g | 477% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 477 mg | 159% | |
| Sodium | 2477 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 229.1 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 127.4 g | 255% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.9 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 2812 mg | 216% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1231 mg | 26% | |
*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.
