Is it really possible to make healthy mac and cheese and still have it taste just as rich and cheesy as the classic?
Easy Healthy Mac And Cheese
Try this healthy mac and cheese recipe when you’re craving mac and cheese but don’t want all the unhealthy saturated fat and calories you’d find in traditional recipes.
The healthy mac and cheese recipe below is low-fat, high-protein, and under 250 calories per serving.
If you make a batch of my favorite Vegan Brownies for dessert, you’ve got yourself a rich and decadent—yet secretly healthy—comfort food feast!
And yes, it really does taste just as cheesy and delicious as traditional mac and cheese!
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I’m very excited to feature Gina Homolka, an incredibly talented friend, on the blog today. Gina’s website, Skinnytaste, has a huge following with fans all over the world, and yet she is one of the most genuine and down-to-earth people you could ever hope to meet.
She puts passion into every one of her recipes and beautiful photos, and she really cares about her readers, no matter the size of their blogs. Years ago, Gina gave me the opportunity to be a guest on her site even though my own blog was much smaller, and I will never forget that kindness. Gina just released The Skinnytaste Cookbook, filled with 150 lower-calorie healthy recipes—from breakfast to dessert—to leave you feeling satisfied, not deprived.
The cookbook includes recipes such as PB&J Overnight Oats, Cinnamon Butternut Squash Soup, Chickpea Potato Curry, and the healthy mac and cheese recipe below:
If you want the mac and cheese to be gluten-free, just be sure to use your favorite variety of gf pasta and breadcrumbs. If gf breadcrumbs are not available, just toast slices of gluten-free bread and then pulse in a food processor until you get breadcrumbs.
Although Gina’s original recipe isn’t vegan, it’s easy to veganize by just using Daiya vegan cheese for the cheese and nutritional yeast or vegan parm.
This is a recipe that everyone can enjoy!
Healthy Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz fusilli or elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter spread
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar, or vegan cheddar
- 12 oz fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- cooking spray
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta and broccoli together, according to package directions for al dente. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large. heavy skillet, melt the buttery spread, then add the onion and cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook 1 minute or until flour is golden and well-combined. Whisk in milk and broth, raise heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil, then cook an additional 5 minutes or until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Remove from heat, add cheese, and stir until melted. Stir in the cooked pasta and broccoli, then pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with the breadcrumbs and Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Spray a little more cooking spray on top. Bake 15-20 minutes, then broil a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden.View Skinny Mac & Cheese Nutrition Facts
Notes
Have you made this recipe?
Tag @chocolatecoveredkatie on Instagram
More Healthy Mac And Cheese Recipes
Vegan Cheese Sauce – The Ultimate Recipe
Laura says
This looks delicious! However, I’m confused on the nutrition stats. How many servings should this make? The only way I could get close to your calorie count was by making this ten servings, which seems like it would be a pretty small portion. Let me know what swaps you make to get to that, because otherwise it isn’t quite skinny enough for me 🙂
Julie says
If you read the nutrition page, CCK already listed both the ingredients she uses and the number of servings
Laura says
Thanks, Julie! I read this within a few minutes of posting. I can’t WAIT to try this!
Julie says
Same! 🙂
Pam says
It would be nice if you specified the size of the baking dish.
Christine B says
Delicious! With the ingredients I used including 1% milk, it’s 450 cal per serving. Delicious though.
Kathryn says
Mmmm this looks amazing! Lighter, healthier versions of good ole fashioned comfort food are some of my favorite recipes. Can’t wait to try!
xx Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
Julie says
I’m a huge Mac and cheese fan so I will be trying this one for sure! And I love discovering new blogs. Thanks Gina and Katie!
Mia says
Great recipe, I’ll need to give it a try 🙂
xx Mia
http://theurbanobsessions.blogspot.com
abby - little city adventures says
This looks delish! And good to know that there are vegan options…I can’t have dairy because I’m breastfeeding and my son is allergic to diary and soy but I am totally craving mac n cheese!!
Betty says
Holy guacamole this looks tasty! Might have to give it a whirl.
Betty x
The Betty Stamp
Love Low Fat says
This looks sooo good! Can’t wait to try it!
Michelle says
Looks delicious. I look forward to getting your cookbook!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This looks amazing! I have all the ingredients in my kitchen… I can’t wait to give it a go 🙂
Frankie says
Ahhh this looks awesome! So happy to stumble upon your blog, I’m always looking for healthier recipes and I’m gonna try a couple out 😀 Frankie x
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
MMMMmmm! This looks completely delicious!
EVA says
Granted, I haven’t tasted this one, but I REFUSE to buy vegan cheese. If you’re going to have mac an cheese, you HAVE TO GO ALL OUT! I feel it’s just a rule. No cutting corners for this classic.
Matea says
This definitely sounds healthier than regular mac and cheese! I need to make it soon and give it to my mac-and-cheese-loving little brother; I doubt he’ll realize there’s a difference–if I leave out the broccoli; ha 🙂
Linda @ the Fitty says
This is the first time I’ve seen you post something non-dessert! 🙂
EVA says
You must be new!
Leanne Winters (@CallMeLeaa) says
This looks so delicious, I love Mac n cheese x
Leannewinters.blogspot.co.uk
Jo says
This is a great cookbook, I bought it about a month ago! Also can’t wait for Katie’s cookbook next month!
LLama says
Katie, can you make a recipe for raw pasta? It seems that grocery stores near me don’t carry lactose and egg free pasta.
Thanks!
Angela Patterson says
Made this last night. Very yummy, & really hit the spot for craving mac & cheese!!
sonaly says
its so delicious
brown says
How many servings is the Skinny Baked Mac & Cheese? It gives nutrition value per serving, but does not indicate the number of servings in this recipe. This must have been overlooked and PLEASE provide this info for me soon
brown says
oops, never mind, I found the answer in VERY SMALL PRINT on this page above a photo, however, on the nutritional page, it does not state the number of servings…
Noreen says
It says that the nutrition facts were based on 1/8 of the entire recipe; so I took that to mean a total of 8 servings.
Kelsey Pearson says
ATTENTION: This mac and cheese is delicious. It took a little while for me to make. However, I was using the oven and stove in my dorm. I’m sure all of you at home will have a much easier time. I LOVE this. Plus I get to have it for dinner all week, so you know, bonus.
Andi says
Hi! I was wondering did you use vegan cheese? Also, if you did what brand? Thanks 🙂
Niki says
Do you think this would work using unsweetened almond milk as the milk?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Yes 🙂
ali says
i have used almond milk and it was delicious!
Katie says
This was amazing. Thank you very much. My choice of milk was cashew. I also added jalaepenos and bacon for my husband. Haha came out great.
Lynnie says
I love this recipe and most importantly so do my kids, ages 7 and 10. I feel good making them something healthy and love that it is easy and delicious.
Krissy says
I am
New to your blog and just wanted to say thanks. This is soooo good. I’ll be a loyal reader from now on.
Buff B says
I’m new to your blog. Have tried a couple of recipes, which have been tasty. Just ordered your cookbook. I love to see someone who is passionate and works at it to be successful! Congrats on your achievements!
Lindsay says
I just made this tonight and I am in love! Can’t wait to make it again!
Hannah says
We make this recipe all the time. Thanks for introducing us to skinnytaste!
Andi says
Have you tried any Go Veggie! products? Also, if i used low fat regular cheese products would the calories get a lot higher? Thank you this looks amazing ! xx
Andi says
This looks really good! But I can’t find daiya brand do you think I could use Go Veggie! Vegan cheese? Thanks xx
Jessica says
I’m confused about the nutrition facts. This seems to be the same recipe posted on a number of sites, each of which claim over 300 calories as the calorie count for this recipe (for example: http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/skinny-baked-broccoli-mac-cheese/). Are you recommending different ingredients? Can you clarify how you got 244 calories per serving when other recipes which are apparently the same get between 314 and 322? Thanks!
Madisen says
Is there a special kind of buttery spread? Is that not just butter?
Roxy says
Ok, this has just become my favorite web page!
Roxy says
Okay, this has just become my favorite web page!
Cherice says
What is buttery spread? Is it margarine? Margarine is not healthy at all. You must be talking about some kind of spread recipe you use.
Julie Dove says
Buttery spread is something like Melt or Earth Balance, both of which are trans-fat-free (unlike regular margarine).
Moe says
So I tryed it. It was really good. My family enjoyed it. It came out more like a casserole, either way delicious.
Tori.M says
Pretty bland and tasteless
Miriam says
I love broccoli, but my kids don’t. I make them mac and cheese with whole wheat pasta and no added oil. My two-year-old wants it for lunch literally every day!
https://israelisalad.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/healthier-mac-and-cheese-2-methods/
Tastinutrion says
Made this last night and it came out wonderful! My hubby and kids loved it! Added a bit more flour than called for but otherwise perfect-creamy and delicious! I am a Dietitian and will be passing this on to my clients.
Ranae says
What size is the serving to stay under the 250 calorie mark? 1 cup, 1/2 cup…. don’t want to make it and then play a guessing game. Have to cook for someone else who is on a strict calorie limit.
Judith says
Great page Katie, I book marked it. Thank you for creating it and all the great looking recipes. Judith
Casey Capili says
Made this and it was AMAZING! Hubby loved it, too. It was a side dish to some sockeye salmon and zucchini noodles. I was really craving something cheesy but I have been trying to maintain eating healthier, and this really hit the spot. Will be making again 🙂
Ken says
Recipe says to use 1 cup vegetable broth, but I don’t see this in the directions. When is this used in this recipe?
Irene Binyon says
It is added in with the milk. I didn’t use it because I looked over it also. I will use it next time. Be sure to use some really good quality Italian bread crumbs. This is great!
Susan says
My family loves this recipe, but when I made it a day ahead it was dry. If I would freeze it, which I would like to do, should I bake it first or freeze before baking. Thanks
Jason Sanford says
Bake first
Kayla says
I made this tonight for my husband and kids (2 and 4) . They cleaned their plates. I came across this recipe because I have been struggling with my kids, my 2 year old mostly, to eat their meals, rather than just snacks. So I am making their faves but with added nutrition. I used protein elbow pasta in place of regular pasta for extra protein. My husband said it was restaurant quality and said I need to make this more often. Thank you!
Jason Sanford says
I love the picture!
Niloofar says
Thanks Katie for sharing the recipe. Gonna try it soon. Just had a question. Do you think I can skip the baking step and just cook it like a regular mac and cheese?
Bec says
This was an amazing consistency before baking, but after, was almost a bit gritty. I probably would add some mustard powder, garlic and a pinch of cayenne next time as it was a little one dimensional. Love the idea though!
Judi says
This sounds so good! So simple but healthy!
Wenn says
What kind of onion is used?
Jason Sanford says
Regular white onion 🙂
Lori says
What kind of flour do you use? Whole wheat?
Jason Sanford says
That works!
Jennifer G. says
My bf and I add splash of white wine and some wholegrain mustard to this recipe – makes it extra delicious! It’s now a staple of our household.
Irene Binyon says
I loved the healthy vegan mac and cheese with broccoli’ and I don’t like broccoli! A keeper for sure!
Chelsea says
I love this recipe– it looks so good and I never thought of using broth in a mac and cheese! Thanks so much for sharing– your site is great. 🙂
Tara says
3 recipe substitute questions: 1) Does leaving out the onion make a huge difference in the taste? Can I swap for raw garlic? Onion doesn’t sit well on the stomachs in this household 😛
2) Can I use coconut flour instead of regular flower?
3) Can I use oat milk instead of regular milk?
I am drooling over this and can’t wait to make this for my southern food loving, southern husband. 🙂
Tara says
lol, so many errors! I hope ya’ll can have some grace and can see around them XD. I’m typing and trying to make food too fast.
CCK Media Team says
Hi, this is Skinnytaste’s recipe so I would reach out to her! 🙂
Vivian says
How many calories per serving?
CCK Media Team says
Hi, full nutrition facts for Katie’s recipes are always linked right under the recipe ingredients 🙂
Nicole says
I’m confused about how this recipe is considered healthy with 2 cups of cheese, butter, and milk. Isn’t this just regular mac & cheese? The serving size must be quite small. Looks super delicious though!
Victoria says
Just finished making this and it is BOMB!
I love that theres broccoli and it’s a “healthy” alternative to Mac and cheese. I don’t have a broiler so I left my Mac and cheese longer in the oven to see if I could get some color on the breadcrumbs, but that didn’t happen 🙁 also plant based Parmesan doesn’t melt easily.
Overall, I still loved this recipe and will be including it in my weekly dinners.
Viv says
Excellent recipe which I used as a base and modified with available cheese and green veg. Recommend highly.
Cheyenne says
I loved it! It was a really comforting meal. My boyfriend doesn’t like broccoli, so I just left that out for him and his friend. For them I added bacon pieces. I did think the portion sizes were quite small for a full meal, so I doubled it (if I calculated the American cups to grams correctly).
I will definitely make this again!
Kennedy says
I don’t usually write reviews on recipes, but this turned out amazing and tastes delicious. My boyfriend is a huge fan and it’s super easy. Will definitely be saving this one!
Kate says
Hi, I loved this recipe so much! Only in my version I don’t use regular elbow pasta, but vgetable macaroni https://foodval.com/food/vgetable-macaroni-enriched-cooked/3392 because it’s less caloric and contains a lot of folate (65 ug on 100 grams) and minerals!
I think it would make your recipe even more healthy and diet-friendly. I am always looking forward to your new recipes. Have a great day!
Denise says
Simply delicious!! Thank you so much. I never made baked macaroni and cheese before. My new favorite recipe!!
Jenifer says
This Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe is a total game-changer! I love that you’ve lightened up a classic comfort food without sacrificing flavor.