Healthy Mac and Cheese
Healthy Mac and Cheese is a guilt-free twist on the classic comfort food that delights your taste buds while keeping nutrition in mind. This creamy dish combines whole wheat pasta with a velvety cauliflower cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is both indulgent and wholesome. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this deliciously healthy meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cauliflower florets (steamed)
- 1 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook whole wheat macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender. Blend with almond milk until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the cauliflower blend with garlic and mustard powder. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For a vegan version, substitute low-fat cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of almond milk.