How to Make Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese - A Step-by-Step Guide

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that many people love, but it is often loaded with butter, cream, and high-fat cheese. While delicious, it can be heavy and high in calories. However, with this lightened-up macaroni and cheese recipe, you can still enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of the dish while making it a bit healthier. By swapping out some of the traditional ingredients for lighter alternatives, you can create a version of macaroni and cheese that is still rich and satisfy...

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Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • 6 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated skim milk, divided
  • 1 teaspoon tapioca starch
  • 5 ounces low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Stir 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and tapioca together in a saucepan. Whisk in remaining milk. Stir in Cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens a bit and cheese is completely melted. Drain pasta and stir into the sauce. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
  • Cook under the broiler until top browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Nutrition

    282 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 26mg
    • Sodium: 401mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 39g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 18g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 620mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 215mg