There is something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta that instantly lifts your mood, and this Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect example. Combining classic flavors with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping and a velvety cheese sauce, this recipe transforms a beloved comfort food into a healthful treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and intentionally chosen, these ingredients come together to deliver amazing taste and texture without the heaviness found in traditional versions. Each element plays a key role—whether it’s the creaminess of the skim milk or the vibrant herbs that add layers of flavor and color.
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of healthy fat and enhances flavor while sautéing.
- ¾ cup onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth as it caramelizes.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free): Essential for thickening the cheese sauce to silky perfection.
- 1 – 1½ cups skim milk: Keeps the sauce creamy without adding excess fat.
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant kick that complements the cheese.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides that classic sharpness and richness.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty undertones for extra depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Balances the cheese’s richness with a little heat.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy topping to finish the dish.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs for a flavorful crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley: Brightens and freshens the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a warm, slightly peppery accent.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings richness and helps the topping brown beautifully.
How to Make Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F because we want that perfect golden bake at the end. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt to season the pasta. Cook the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente—about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This helps the pasta maintain its lovely texture through baking without turning mushy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of pepper, sautéing until everything softens and takes on a gentle golden hue, about 5 minutes—this forms the base of our flavorful cheese sauce. Next, gradually stir in the flour, creating a thick paste that will help your sauce thicken up nicely. Slowly whisk in the skim milk while continuously stirring; this patience rewards you with a silky, creamy sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses until melted and luscious.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your perfectly al dente pasta and return it to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the warm, cheesy sauce over the pasta and gently toss until every macaroni piece is lovingly coated. Transfer this mix into a greased 8×8 baking dish, spreading it evenly in preparation for the topping and bake.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese, dried basil, parsley, oregano, and melted butter. Mixing these ingredients creates a fragrant, buttery crust that will balance the creamy pasta beneath. Sprinkle this crumb mixture generously over the top of your mac and cheese, ensuring every inch will get that golden, crispy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling tantalizingly around the edges. Let it cool just a bit before serving to allow the flavors to settle and your fingers to thank you.
How to Serve Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves on top brightens the bowl both visually and in flavor, adding a fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta. If you want a little more texture, try a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika for warmth.
Side Dishes
This Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is versatile enough to pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. These sides introduce a fresh crunch and vibrant taste that balance the cheesy comfort of the main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve your mac and cheese in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned meals. You could even turn this into bite-sized appetizers by scooping baked portions into cupcake tins, adding a crispy bacon crumble for an extra savory touch. Presentation can make this classic dish feel like a total crowd-pleasing star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mac and cheese keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day reheated dish a delight as well. Just cover it well to keep it moist and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe later, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking—then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time so the cheese warms through without overcooking the pasta.
Reheating
Reheat your mac and cheese gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, which helps preserve the texture and golden crust. Microwaving also works but cover the dish to keep moisture in and stir halfway through heating to avoid hot spots and dryness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap in penne, shells, or even whole grain pasta for a different texture and added nutrients. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente before mixing with the sauce.
Is skim milk the only option for the cheese sauce?
Skim milk keeps this recipe light and healthy, but you can use 1% or 2% milk if you prefer a richer sauce. Non-dairy milks can also be used, although the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free baking mix in the sauce. Make sure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well for a completely safe dish.
How can I make the dish more protein-packed?
Adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas works wonderfully to boost protein content. Stir in cooked proteins before baking for a heartier, nutritious meal.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
The classic combo of sharp cheddar and parmesan gives the sauce a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or fontina for new flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe is a deliciously comforting dish that brings the joy of classic mac and cheese with a nourishing, healthier twist. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it will become a staple in your kitchen, brightening your meals with every creamy, golden bite.
Print
Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe offers a lighter take on the classic comfort dish, using skim milk and olive oil to keep it nutritious without compromising on creamy, cheesy flavor. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and herbed to perfection, it’s perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- ¾ cup onion, diced
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free)
- 1 – 1½ cups skim milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Make Cheese Sauce: In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring frequently until it forms a thick paste. Slowly pour in skim milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared cheese sauce thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare and Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Use skim milk to keep the recipe light; however, whole milk will make the sauce richer if preferred.
- Adjust the cheese types and quantities according to your taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
- The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch but can be omitted for a softer finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
