Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
The Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe starts by cooking elbow macaroni, which is then combined with a cheese sauce made from butter, flour, and minced onion cooked into a roux. Milk and chicken broth are whisked in and brought to a boil until thickened, then gradually shredded cheddar cheese is melted in to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Baby spinach is stirred in just before baking to add color and mild flavor. The mixture is poured into an oiled baking dish, topped with grated Parmesan and whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch and a browned top layer. The dish bakes until heated through with a golden crust, then broils briefly for a crispy finish.
This dish serves as a wholesome twist on classic mac and cheese by including greens and offering options for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and dairy-free milk and cheese substitutions.
Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste. Broiling the breadcrumb topping carefully ensures an even golden crust without burning.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (wheat, whole wheat, high protein or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour (or gluten-free flour mix)
- 1/4 cup onion minced
- 2 cups milk use rice milk for dairy-free, skim
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese for best results shred yourself. Use Violife for dairy-free, reduced-fat
- kosher salt (and black pepper, to taste)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs seasoned
- olive oil spray form
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Spray a baking dish with oil.
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- In a large, heavy skillet, melt butter. Add flour and cook over low heat stirring with a whisk.
- Add onion and cook another 2 minutes. Add milk and chicken broth and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once it becomes thick, remove from heat, add cheese 1/4 cup at a time and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and baby spinach.
- Pour into baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more oil on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to meet dietary preferences.
- Choose dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes for lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
- Watch the breadcrumb topping under the broiler to prevent burning; remove when golden brown.
- Incorporate baby spinach to add nutrients without overpowering flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 261 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 261kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 36.5g | 12% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 7.5g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 20.5mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 277mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5.5g | 22% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
