Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Nothing beats the comfort of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese that makes everyone at the table smile! Kids and adults alike will absolutely love this healthier version that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The best part is you get all that delicious comfort food taste with way fewer calories and fat than traditional recipes.
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 15 minutes, Additional Time: 25 minutes, Total Time: 40 minutes, Serves: 9 people.
Nutrition Profile: High-Calcium, Bone Health, Diabetes-Friendly, Nut-Free, Healthy Aging, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Soy-Free, Heart-Healthy, Vegetarian, Low-Calorie.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 169 Calories, 3g Fat, 24g Carbs, 11g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Elbow Macaroni: You’ll need 8 ounces of dried elbow macaroni, which is perfect for holding onto all that cheesy goodness. Any short pasta shape works great if you don’t have elbows on hand!
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Just a light coating to keep everything from sticking to your baking dish. This little step makes cleanup so much easier.
Evaporated Fat-Free Milk: One 12-ounce can gives you that rich, creamy texture without all the extra fat. This is the secret to making it taste indulgent while keeping it healthy!
Egg Product: You’ll need ½ cup of refrigerated or frozen egg product (thawed), or you can use 2 lightly beaten regular eggs. Both work perfectly to help bind everything together.
Onion Powder: Two teaspoons add that savory depth of flavor without any chopping required. I love how it blends right in seamlessly.
Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon of ground black pepper gives it just the right amount of warmth. Freshly ground tastes even better if you have it!
Parmesan Cheese: Three-quarters cup of finely shredded Parmesan (about 3 ounces) brings that sharp, nutty flavor. The finer the shred, the better it melts into the dish.
Reduced-Fat Cheddar: A quarter cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (1 ounce) adds that classic mac and cheese taste. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully here!
Paprika: Half a teaspoon sprinkled on top gives you a beautiful color and a subtle smoky flavor. Plus, it makes the dish look so pretty!
How to Make Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it’s tender. Drain the pasta well and keep it warm while you prep everything else. Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, egg product, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Add your drained warm macaroni, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix everything together really well so every piece of pasta gets coated with the cheesy mixture.
Step 3: Spread the macaroni mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the paprika all over the top for that beautiful finishing touch. Bake for about 25 minutes or until it’s heated through and lightly golden on top.
Easy and Quick Macaroni and Cheese Version
Want to make this even faster? You can skip the baking step entirely! Just mix everything together while the pasta is still hot from cooking, and the residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly. Serve it right away for a stovetop version that’s ready in just 15 minutes total!
Serving Ideas
This creamy mac and cheese makes a complete and satisfying meal all on its own. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli for extra veggies. It also goes beautifully alongside grilled chicken or a simple roasted vegetable medley.
Storage
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container. To reheat, just pop individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry after reheating.
Substitutions
No egg product on hand? Regular eggs work just as well – use 2 lightly beaten eggs instead. You can swap the Parmesan for any hard cheese you love, like aged cheddar or Gruyere. If you need it dairy-free, try using your favorite plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Don’t overcook your macaroni since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Aim for just barely tender.
- Cheese Magic: Let your cheese come to room temperature before mixing – it’ll blend in so much smoother.
- Extra Creaminess: Save a little pasta cooking water to add back if your mixture seems too thick.
- Golden Top: For an extra golden top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking time.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! You can assemble the whole dish up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
Why does my mac and cheese turn out dry?
This usually happens when the pasta is overcooked or the oven temperature is too high. Make sure your macaroni is just tender, and don’t skip that evaporated milk – it’s what keeps everything creamy!
Can I double this recipe?
Sure! Just use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13 inch pan) and you might need to add 5-10 more minutes to the baking time. Everything else stays exactly the same.
Is this really diabetes-friendly?
Yes! The reduced-fat ingredients and reasonable portion size make this a great option for managing blood sugar. Each serving has a good balance of protein and carbs without going overboard on calories.
Final Thoughts
I hope you and your family love this lighter take on classic comfort food as much as we do! It’s amazing how you can keep all the cozy, satisfying flavors while making it so much healthier. Let me know how yours turns out – I’d love to hear about any fun variations you try!
