Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with this *Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese*, a wholesome twist on a beloved classic. Made with nutrient-packed whole-grain macaroni, a creamy low-fat cheese sauce infused with almond milk and Dijon mustard, and a hidden boost of thawed spinach, this dish delivers indulgent flavor without the guilt. The crispy whole grain breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, while the reduced-fat sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave. Ready in just under an hour, this nutritious baked macaroni recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Packed with flavor and lighter ingredients, it's a healthier comfort food that’s sure to delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Whole-grain macaroni pasta
• 500 milliliters Unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 150 grams Reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (or unsalted butter)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
• 100 grams Frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 50 grams Whole grain breadcrumbs
• 0 Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually add the almond milk, whisking to combine, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the drained spinach to the cheese sauce and mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the whole grain breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy topping.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.

Step 11

Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Healthy Baked Macaroni Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1131.6 grams (1131.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1893

Total Fat 70.90g	91%
Saturated Fat 28.60g	143%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 110mg	37%
Sodium 3653mg	159%
Total Carbohydrate 244.10g	89%
Dietary Fiber 25.40g	91%
Total Sugars 8.90g
Protein 95.80g	192%

Vitamin D 244IU	1218%
Calcium 2551mg	196%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 1677mg	36%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 48.9%