Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

  1. Pasta: Macaroni (elbow pasta) is classic, but any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow ties works. Use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free noodles.

  2. Broth: Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth adds extra flavor.

  3. Milk: Whole milk (or at least 2%) makes it creamier than skim milk.

  4. Butter: Just 2 tbsp of salted butter is needed.

  5. Cheese: Use marble or cheddar plus aged Parmesan like Parmigiano Reggiano.

  6. Seasonings: Garlic powder, mustard (the condiment), salt, and pepper.

When you’re craving mac and cheese but not all the unhealthy saturated fats, calories, and heavy dairy that comes with traditional recipe, this healthy mac and cheese recipe is the perfect answer.

This mac and cheese recipe requires just 8 simple ingredients, most of which are likely already in your kitchen.

Ingredient List:

Optional ingredients:

  1. Frozen veggies: Use peas, corn, or edamame. Rinse with hot water and drain first.

  2. Chopped veggies: Try broccoli or cauliflower (steamed, roasted, or raw).

  3. Spinach: Stir in a handful while mac and cheese is hot to wilt it.

  4. Other veggies: Add zucchini, asparagus, tomatoes, etc. Sauté separately or toss in directly.

  5. Add heat: Top with Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or Tabasco.

  6. Extra flavor: Try everything bagel seasoning, Montreal steak spice, paprika, nutmeg, soy sauce, honey, or pesto.

  7. Bacon: Chopped leftover bacon adds salty flavor. Bake at 425°F for 20 mins for easy prep.

Step1.

Prepare the creamy cheese sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, whisk the broth, milk, butter, and all the seasonings. Then bring to a boil, keeping an eye on it, as it can spill over as soon as it begins to boil.

Step 2.

Add the pasta: As soon as your liquid mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to a medium heat simmer and add the macaroni to the saucepan.

Step 3.

Cook: Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta sticking to the pan.

Step 4.

Add the cheese: Once the pasta is ready, remove the pot from the heat. Do not drain. Then gradually add in the cheese, stirring between each addition.