Healthy Baked Mac Cheese (Printable Version)
Whole wheat pasta with creamy cheese and yogurt sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni or high-protein pasta
→ Sauce
02 -
1 ½ cups low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
03 -
1 tbsp all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
04 -
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt nonfat or low-fat
05 -
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 -
½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
07 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 -
½ tsp garlic powder
09 -
½ tsp onion powder
10 -
¼ tsp salt, adjust to taste
11 -
¼ tsp black pepper
12 -
Optional: 1 cup steamed cauliflower puree
→ Topping
13 -
⅓ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed almonds
14 -
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
→ Optional add-ins
15 -
Steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or cooked chicken
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
02 -
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk flour and milk together until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Greek yogurt, shredded cheeses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. If using, stir in steamed cauliflower puree.
05 -
Pour sauce over cooked pasta and mix thoroughly to coat evenly.
06 -
Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
07 -
Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle evenly over pasta.
08 -
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until topping is golden and bubbly.
09 -
Allow dish to cool slightly for optimal texture and flavor before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Adjust salt to taste and consider adding optional steamed vegetables or chicken for added nutrition.