Healthier Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This lighter version of the beloved classic Fannie Farmer's Baked Macaroni and Cheese maintains all the creamy goodness while significantly reducing calories and fat. By incorporating fat-free cottage cheese, skim milk, and 2% cheddar cheese, this recipe ensures that you can indulge guilt-free. The creamy blend of cheeses, combined with al dente macaroni and a crispy breadcrumb topping, makes this dish a comforting yet diet-friendly delight. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this version fits well into a balanced meal plan, proving that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for health.
7
Servings
257
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fat-free cottage cheese
5 1/3 ounces (Blended until smooth.)
Skim milk
8 teaspoons (Used in cream substitute.)
Macaroni
1 (8 ounce) package (Cooked according to package directions.)
Light butter
4 tablespoons (Melted in saucepan.)
All-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (Mixed with melted butter.)
Skim milk
1 cup (Gradually added to sauce.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Used in sauce.)
Fresh ground black pepper
To taste (Used in sauce.)
2% cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups (Added to cheese sauce.)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Sprinkled on top before baking.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cream substitute: In a blender, combine 8 teaspoons of skim milk and 5 1/3 ounces of fat-free cottage cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill until needed.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
4
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of light butter.
5
Whisk together 4 tablespoons of flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in the melted butter until smooth and well combined.
6
Gradually add the 1 cup of skim milk and your chilled cream substitute to the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7
Increase the heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while continuing to stir for about 2 minutes.
8
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
9
Add the shredded 2% cheddar cheese little by little, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
10
Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring all pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
11
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top.
12
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
14
For meal prep, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before freezing in zip-lock bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, transfer to a buttered baking dish, and bake until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
4.3g
Fat
30g
Carbs
11.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
This recipe is called Healthier Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this macaroni and cheese?
Each serving contains approximately 257 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 7 servings.
What is the primary cheese used in this healthy version?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded 2% cheddar cheese.
How do you make the cream substitute for this recipe?
Blend 8 teaspoons of skim milk and 5 1/3 ounces of fat-free cottage cheese in a blender until smooth and creamy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What is the total fat content per serving?
There is 4.3g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 11.4g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of milk is used?
The recipe calls for skim milk.
What kind of butter should I use to keep it healthy?
The recipe recommends using 4 tablespoons of light butter.
How long should the macaroni be baked?
Bake it for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is used for the crispy topping?
The dish is topped with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs before baking.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it can be cooled and frozen in zip-lock bags for future use.
How should I thaw the frozen macaroni and cheese?
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What size package of macaroni is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce package of macaroni.
Should the cottage cheese be chilled before use in the sauce?
Yes, after blending the cottage cheese and milk, it should be chilled in the refrigerator until needed.
What type of flour is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How long do you simmer the sauce after adding the cheese?
Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes once the cheese is incorporated.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What classic recipe is this based on?
It is a lighter version of Fannie Farmer's Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
How do you combine the pasta and sauce?
Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated.
How long do you cook the sauce before adding the cheese?
Cook the sauce for about 10 minutes on low heat until thickened before adding the cheese.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
How long does it take to reheat a frozen portion?
Reheat in a buttered baking dish for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through.
What is the texture of the cottage cheese in the recipe?
The cottage cheese is blended until smooth and creamy to act as a cream substitute.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-fat and healthy recipe version of the classic.
What are the common tags for this dish?
Tags include baked macaroni and cheese, healthy recipe, low-fat, cheesy, comfort food, and casserole.
When should the skim milk be added to the sauce?
Gradually add the 1 cup of skim milk and the chilled cream substitute to the flour and butter mixture.