As everyone knows, macaroni and cheese is known for being a “comfort food” soothing ability! If you love mac and cheese as much as we do, please see our tips below for making a healthier recipe for the family.

Add Vegetables

You will want to add vegetables according to the season. Peas, tomatoes, corn, squash, green beans, and almost any other vegetable make the perfect topping for the mac and cheese. The wonderful golden cheese is the perfect backdrop for hiding a few veggies for picky children. You are also adding fiber and delightful nutrients to the golden mac and cheese!

Switch out Your Pasta 

Normally, mac and cheese in a prepackaged box contain refined pasta. Switch this out with a whole wheat pasta to increase fiber, minerals, and vitamins. You can also add chickpeas to increase plant-based proteins. 

Use Different Cheeses

As you know, a ton of fat and cholesterol are in a prepackaged mac and cheese. If you choose to use a cheese that is lower in fat or even use a little bit of cottage cheese to fill in, is a great way to reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol in your side dish.

Add to Your Sauce

Now, pull out your food processor and puree some veggies like cauliflower and carrots. This is a perfect way to sneak veggies into the good ole mac and cheese! Again, you are adding fiber and nutrients without the little ones noticing.

Use Other Milk

This is a no brainer, instead of using whole milk try adding a milk alternative like almond, soy or coconut milk. Do not use heavy cream; try substituting half and half for the cream sauce.

Avoid Adding Meats

Do not add hotdogs or bacon to your mac and cheese. You will eliminate a ton of calories, fat, and cholesterol in doing so. Again, only add good things like vegetables for the perfect mac and cheese.

Do Not Bake Your Mac & Cheese

Typically, when we bake mac and cheese, we add additional cheese and breadcrumbs to the top, so it is best not to do this. Simply make your mac and cheese in a handy skillet to eliminate the extra cheese and breadcrumbs. You will cut down on lots of calories and fat when doing so.

We hope you enjoyed these tricks and happy cooking!