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My Healthy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food my family adores, and it's perfect for kids! I can have it ready in just 40 minutes, made with whole wheat macaroni, plenty of veggies, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It's lighter in calories and fat than traditional mac and cheese, making it a wholesome, satisfying option that's a big win for everyone at the table.
After playing around with different ingredients, I've perfected a healthier mac and cheese that still has that cozy, nostalgic flavor we all grew up loving. That's exactly why I created this recipe, to bring back all the comforting goodness without any of the guilt. For the perfect cheesy base, my vegan cheese sauce is an amazing alternative.
The first time I made this, my kids cleaned their plates, and I couldn't believe it! In that moment, I knew I had to share this recipe with other moms like me who have picky eaters at home.
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🥘Ingredients
For my easy healthy mac and cheese, I use simple and wholesome ingredients that come together to make the most flavorful meal. Here's everything you'll need:
Pasta: I love using whole wheat pasta for its extra fiber and whole grains, and it still has all the starchy goodness of traditional pasta.
Veggies: Broccoli florets and baby spinach are my favorites, but any veggies you love will work perfectly in this dish.
Milk: Low-fat milk keeps the sauce creamy and decadent while cutting back on calories and fat.
Flour: All-purpose flour is key for making a roux that thickens the sauce to perfection.
Cheese: I like combining sharp cheddar and parmesan for a bold flavor.
Dijon Mustard: It boosts the flavor of the cheese sauce, but you can leave it out if you're not a mustard fan, it's totally flexible.
Swaps
Cheese: Switching up the cheese is so much fun! Gouda, gruyère, cream cheese, brie, or goat cheese all melt beautifully and add a unique flavor.
Vegan: I swap in plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese, or sometimes toss it with my favorite vegan cheese sauce for a totally plant-based version.
Gluten-Free: Gluten-free or legume-based pasta works perfectly! The legume-based pasta also adds extra protein, which is a bonus.
🔪 How to Make
My healthy mac and cheese come together in just a few easy steps and take only 20 minutes of prep time.
Step 1: First, I bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then, I cook the pasta according to the package directions, it's as easy as that to get started.
Step 2: Next, I heat up a pan over medium heat and toss in some frozen (or fresh) broccoli along with minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt. I sauté everything until the broccoli starts to get tender, then add kale or spinach toward the end and cook just until the greens are perfectly wilted.
Step 3: While the veggies are cooking, I heat 1.5 cups of milk in another pot over medium-high heat until it's just starting to simmer. In a small bowl, I whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup milk, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then, I pour the flour mixture into the simmering milk, whisking constantly. I let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring the whole time, until it thickens into a creamy sauce, it's the perfect base for the dish!
Step 4: Once the sauce has thickened, I take it off the heat and whisk in the Cheddar, Parmesan, and a bit of mustard until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Then, I drain the pasta and stir it into the cheesy goodness. Finally, I add in the sautéed veggies, mixing everything together so every bite is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce, so good!
Step 5: Finally, I put the pot back on low heat and let everything warm through, stirring gently to make sure the pasta, veggies, and sauce are perfectly combined. It's the finishing touch to bring all those delicious flavors together!
Step 6: To finish, I serve the mac and cheese warm and sprinkle a little crushed red pepper on top for an extra kick of spice (optional but so good!). Then it's time to dig in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and flavorful bite!
📖 Variations
I love how easy it is to switch things up with this healthy mac and cheese recipe! Here are some of my favorite mix-ins and substitutions to keep it fun and delicious:
Change Up the Veggies: I like adding shredded carrots, peas, or finely chopped cauliflower for extra nutrients, and roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions for a sweet twist. It's a great way to sneak in more veggies!
Add Some Heat: Crushed red pepper is my go-to, but a splash of hot sauce really takes the spice level up a notch. Perfect for a little extra kick.
Try New Spices: I love experimenting with flavors like everything bagel seasoning, paprika, nutmeg, onion powder, or oregano, they all pair beautifully with mac and cheese.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways I love to serve up this tasty mac and cheese! Let me share a few of my favorite ones.
As a Main Dish: I love pairing this mac and cheese with a fresh side apple walnut salad or my roasted green beans and potatoes. It makes for a complete and balanced meal that's so satisfying.
Kid-Friendly Option: For the kids, I serve it with my cheese buns or my healthy low calorie biscuits. It's a fun and wholesome dinner they always enjoy.
Potluck Favorite: This mac and cheese is my go-to for potlucks or family gatherings. It's always a hit and perfect for sharing with a crowd.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: Once the mac and cheese has completely cooled, I transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Freezing: I don't usually recommend freezing mac and cheese, as the texture of the sauce can change when thawed, but it's an option if needed.
Reheating: When reheating, I place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes. If it seems dry, I add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
❓Recipe FAQs
How I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, I cook it just until al dente according to the package directions. This way, it holds its texture perfectly when mixed with the creamy sauce.
What's The Best Type of Cheese for Mac & Cheese?
I'm partial to the traditional sharp cheddar when making macaroni and cheese. It has a low melting point, so it keeps the sauce super smooth. Sharp cheddar also has a nice strong flavor - which gives the sauce that richness you'd expect!
What Makes This Mac and Cheese Healthy?
Traditional mac and cheese healthy? Not really, it's usually packed with refined carbs, heavy fats, and lacks any real nutritional value. That's why I love MY healthier version! With a few simple swaps, it's not just delicious but actually good for you.
For starters, it's low in calories, most mac and cheese recipes are over 500 calories per serving, but this one is only about 270! It's also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like folate, copper, calcium, and vitamin C. And the best part? It has 14 grams of protein per serving, so it's super satisfying too.
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