Healthy & Simple Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while still melting well.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories; water is a budget-friendly option.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil offers healthier fats; margarine is often less expensive.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Finely mince 2 cloves of garlic and finely dice 1/2 of an onion.

Fill a saucepan halfway with water, season with a pinch of sea salt and a kiss of extra virgin Spanish olive oil, and heat on high.

Once the water is boiling, add 1 cup of whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook for exactly 10 minutes until al dente.

In a non-stick frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin Spanish olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the garlic and onions and mix well.

Pour in 1/2 cup of low fat organic milk and heat until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Shred in 1 cup of low-fat queso Manchego and mix until melted, then turn off the heat.

Let the cheese and milk mixture cool for 3-4 minutes, then add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt to make the sauce creamier.

Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix everything together until well combined.

Plate the mac and cheese in a shallow bowl and garnish with a cherry tomato and fresh thyme.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens