Lighter Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Craving creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese without the guilt? This lighter take on a classic comfort food, adapted from Cook's Illustrated's low-fat cookbook, delivers incredible flavor with significantly fewer calories. We use Cabot 50% reduced-fat cheddar cheese (block, for optimal melting!), which might surprise you with its vibrant yellow hue in the finished dish despite its lighter color in block form. Get ready for a cheesy, satisfying meal that's surprisingly healthy!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 288.9 kcal
Protein 23g
Rating Be the first
Lighter Macaroni And Cheese 24

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Lighter Macaroni And Cheese

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How to Make Lighter Macaroni And Cheese

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 2 teaspoons of salt) to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, whisk together the evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon salt, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup milk and cornstarch until smooth.
  5. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering milk mixture.
  6. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat.
  9. Let the macaroni and cheese sit for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken further. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

20g

Carbs

14g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Lighter Macaroni And Cheese?

Lighter Macaroni And Cheese takes about 30 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Lighter Macaroni And Cheese?

Lighter Macaroni And Cheese has approximately 288.9 calories per serving, with about 23 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates and 11 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Lighter Macaroni And Cheese?

The key ingredients for Lighter Macaroni And Cheese are Macaroni, Evaporated Milk, Salt, Ground Mustard, Garlic Powder, Milk. See the full list with measurements above.

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