Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (lighter )

Health score
11%
Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (lighter )
50 min.
6
319kcal

Suggestions


There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese, and this Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic dish without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, casual lunches, or even as a satisfying main course, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Imagine the creamy, velvety cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. With just 319 calories per serving, you can indulge in this beloved comfort food guilt-free. The combination of reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese and fat-free milk ensures that you get all the cheesy goodness you crave while keeping it lighter on the waistline.

Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to whip up a quick and delicious meal for your family, this macaroni and cheese recipe is a fantastic choice. It's easy to prepare, taking only about 50 minutes from start to finish, and the ingredients are simple and accessible. So, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a hearty serving of this delightful dish that brings everyone together. Get ready to savor the rich flavors and creamy texture that make this macaroni and cheese a true family favorite!

Ingredients

  • ounces elbow macaroni uncooked
  • tablespoons butter 
  • 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper 
  • 0.3 teaspoon ground mustard 
  • 0.3 teaspoon worcestershire sauce 
  • cups skim milk fat-free (skim)
  • ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded cubed reduced-fat

Equipment

  • sauce pan
  • oven

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook macaroni as directed on package.
  3. While macaroni is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk.
  4. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  5. Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  6. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole.
  7. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories319kcal
Protein18.04%
Fat39.77%
Carbs42.19%

Properties

Glycemic Index
27.88
Glycemic Load
4.4
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
10.956956484881%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:319.48kcal
15.97%
Fat:14.04g
21.61%
Saturated Fat:6.36g
39.78%
Carbohydrates:33.52g
11.17%
Net Carbohydrates:32.29g
11.74%
Sugar:5.15g
5.72%
Cholesterol:30.8mg
10.27%
Sodium:462.05mg
20.09%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:14.33g
28.66%
Selenium:32.5µg
46.43%
Calcium:318.34mg
31.83%
Phosphorus:287.4mg
28.74%
Manganese:0.36mg
17.86%
Vitamin B2:0.28mg
16.47%
Vitamin B12:0.78µg
12.98%
Zinc:1.92mg
12.79%
Vitamin A:618.27IU
12.37%
Magnesium:36.76mg
9.19%
Vitamin B1:0.13mg
8.4%
Vitamin D:1.07µg
7.12%
Potassium:243.26mg
6.95%
Vitamin B6:0.12mg
5.86%
Folate:23.29µg
5.82%
Copper:0.12mg
5.82%
Vitamin B5:0.58mg
5.8%
Vitamin B3:0.99mg
4.94%
Fiber:1.23g
4.92%
Iron:0.75mg
4.15%
Vitamin E:0.4mg
2.68%