LIGHTENED WHOLE WHEAT CHEDDAR MAC AND CHEESE
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Lightened Whole Wheat Cheddar Mac And Cheese, made with whole wheat pasta, a light cheese sauce, butter, salt, pepper and simple seasonings for a satisfying meal without the guilt. This healthier twist on the classic uses whole wheat flour and unsweetened almond milk to create a creamy and rich sauce that coats each piece of pasta with cheesy goodness. It’s quick and easy to make, that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch. This healthy mac is also customizable, so try adding some vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition. Enjoy this wholesome mac and cheddar cheese that brings flavour, nutrition and comfort to your table.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American
PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES
Boil, Simmer
OCCASION / HOLIDAY
Family Reunion, Casual Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS
Kid Friendly, Low Sodium, High Fibre, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for lightened whole wheat cheddar mac and cheese:
- 75 grams | 2.65 ounces | whole wheat pasta
- 30 grams | 1.06 ounces | cheddar cheese, shredded
- 60 millilitres | 2.03 fluid ounces | ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 grams | 0.11 ounces | 1 teaspoon whole wheat flour
- 5 grams | 0.18 ounces | 1 teaspoon butter
- 3 grams | 0.01 ounces | 1 pinch sea salt
- 3 grams | 0.01 ounces | 1 pinch ground black pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 335 kilocalories
- Protein: 14.5 grams
- Total fat: 13.4 grams
- Saturated fat: 6.7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 39.3 grams
- Fibre: 6.2 grams
- Sugars: 2.4 grams
- Sodium: 289 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Lightened Whole Wheat Cheddar Mac And Cheese:
- Cook Pasta: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the whole wheat pasta until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the whole wheat flour, whisking continuously to form a paste. Gradually add the almond milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of almond milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Transfer to a bowl and enjoy your warm lightened whole wheat cheddar mac and cheese. Garnish with additional black pepper if desired.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Lightened Whole Wheat Cheddar Mac And Cheese:
- Stir Constantly: Stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking or clumping.
- Extra Creaminess: For extra creaminess, add a little more shredded cheese or an extra splash of almond milk.
- Cheddar Choice: Use a high-quality cheddar for a richer taste; sharp cheddar offers more flavour with less cheese.
- Protein Boost: For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken or chickpeas to the dish.
VARIATIONS
- Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute in the sauce.
- Vegan Option: Swap cheese with a dairy-free alternative, butter with olive oil and almond milk with coconut milk for a more affluent base.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy variation.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the sauce may slightly change in texture. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
