Lower-fat Macaroni and Cheese

Lower-fat Macaroni and Cheese Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This lower-fat version of the traditional recipe allows you to enjoy the creamy and cheesy goodness without all the extra calories.

History

Macaroni and cheese has been a popular dish in the United States since the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in Italy, where pasta and cheese were commonly eaten together. The dish was brought to America by Thomas Jefferson, who served it at a state dinner in the early 1800s.

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked macaroni
2 tbsp reduced-fat margarine
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup skim milk
1 cup evaporated skim milk
0.5 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
cooking spray

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the macaroni according to the package directions in a large saucepan.
Drain the macaroni in a colander.
To make the cheese sauce, melt the margarine in a medium-sized saucepan.
Mix the cornstarch well into the cold skim milk.
Add the skim milk and evaporated skim milk to the melted margarine.
Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly.
When the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat and add the shredded cheese.
Mix the drained macaroni with the sauce.
Put the mixture in a casserole dish sprayed with non-stick spray.
Bake the dish uncovered for 30 minutes at 350°F (177°C).

Variations

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Add in cooked vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- Feel free to add in additional seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or mustard for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lower-fat macaroni and cheese as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.

- Constantly stir the cheese sauce to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of margarine for a different flavor.

- Substitute almond milk or soy milk for the skim milk if you are lactose intolerant.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this lower-fat macaroni and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked macaroni and cheese with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of this lower-fat macaroni and cheese contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this lower-fat macaroni and cheese contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is lower in fat compared to traditional macaroni and cheese, with each serving containing around 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish provides about 15 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Macaroni and cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus due to the cheese and milk used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese) and wheat (macaroni), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this lower-fat macaroni and cheese recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This lower-fat macaroni and cheese recipe is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food dish. With a creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards, stained with splashes of sauce and flour, I stumbled upon a recipe for Lower-fat Macaroni and Cheese. The card was faded and worn, but the words were clear: a healthier twist on a classic comfort food.

I had always loved macaroni and cheese, with its creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. But as I grew older, I became more conscious of my health and the importance of eating lighter, more nutritious meals. This recipe seemed like the perfect solution – a way to enjoy one of my favorite dishes without the guilt.

I decided to give it a try that very evening. I gathered the ingredients – whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, skim milk, and a few seasonings – and set to work in the kitchen. As I boiled the pasta and stirred together the cheese sauce, the familiar scents of butter and cheddar filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of whole wheat. It felt like coming home.

When the dish was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the richness of the cheese, the creaminess of the sauce, the nuttiness of the whole wheat. It was a revelation. This was macaroni and cheese like I had never tasted before – light, yet satisfying, with a depth of flavor that belied its simple ingredients.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. My husband, who had always been a fan of traditional mac and cheese, declared that he couldn't tell the difference. My children, who were usually wary of anything labeled "healthy," asked for seconds. It was a triumph.

From that moment on, Lower-fat Macaroni and Cheese became a staple in our household. I made it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and even the occasional church supper. Everyone raved about it, asking for the recipe and begging for seconds. I felt a sense of pride every time I served it, knowing that I had discovered a healthier version of a beloved classic.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my family's tastes. I experimented with different types of cheese – sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, tangy Parmesan – and varied the seasonings, adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of paprika for extra depth. Each time I made the dish, it felt like a labor of love, a tribute to the generations of cooks who had come before me.

As I grew older, my passion for cooking only intensified. I sought out new recipes, new techniques, new ingredients, eager to expand my culinary repertoire. But no matter how many dishes I tried, Lower-fat Macaroni and Cheese remained a favorite. It was a reminder of where I had come from, of the traditions and flavors that had shaped me as a cook.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, surrounded by the clatter of pots and pans and the sizzle of onions on the stove, I can't help but smile. My journey as a cook has been a long and winding one, filled with trials and triumphs, failures and successes. But through it all, one thing has remained constant – my love for food, for flavors, for the act of creation.

And so, as I share this recipe with you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition. That you will continue to explore, to experiment, to savor the joys of the kitchen. And that, one day, you will pass on this recipe – and all the stories that come with it – to the next generation. For in the end, that is the true magic of cooking: the ability to connect us across time and space, to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls.