Indulge in creamy, cheesy comfort without the guilt with our "Not So Naughty Macaroni Cheese"! This lighter twist on the classic mac and cheese features whole wheat macaroni and a velvety cauliflower-based sauce, blended with skim milk and just the right amount of low-fat cheddar for a rich, satisfying flavor. Topped with a crunchy mixture of whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, this bake delivers an irresistible golden crust. Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a healthier family favorite. Enjoy all the decadence of mac and cheese while staying true to your health goals!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, boil or steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
In a blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, skim milk, 100 grams of the grated low-fat cheddar cheese, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cauliflower cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, remaining 50 grams of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Not So Naughty Macaroni Cheese!
Calories |
1817 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.1 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 3105 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.7 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.7 g | 113% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.7 g | ||
| Protein | 106.4 g | 213% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 1824 mg | 140% | |
| Iron | 12.8 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2373 mg | 50% | |
*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.