How Healthy is a Plate of Mac and Cheese? (2024)

Introduction to Creamy Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese is a straightforward recipe you can cook at home to feed your family. If you have young kids at home, they will surely love its creamy taste. It is a high-calorie food cooked as a staple in countries like America, Italy, and the U.K. If you already know that it is high in fat and calories but still have a craving for this rich and creamy food, then don't worry. You're not alone in this matter. It is a favorite food of many people. Through this blog, we will suggest ways to reduce. The calorie and fat, and how to eat a healthy version of this recipe.

According to a health report, a homemade Mac and Cheese bowl contains:

• Calorie: 506
• Fat: 24 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbs: 53 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sodium: 837 mg

As per the nutritionist, you can intake:

• Calorie: 2000-2500 per day
• Fat: 44-77 gm per day
• Protein: 46-56 gm per day
• Carbs: 225-325 gm per day
• Fiber: 25-38 gm per day
• Sodium: less than 2,300 mg per day

Eating a bowl of baked Macaroni and Cheese is safe if you consume a small portion. Healthy Mac and Cheese contain high fat that can increase your cholesterol level. Eating more calorie-containing food can lead to weight gain. If you consume more significant portions of this food, then it can increase your sodium intake. As a result, you will suffer from high blood pressure. Thus eating a moderate amount of baked Mac n Cheese can be a part of your healthy diet.

Simple Ways to Cook Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe

We have got solutions for your baked Mac and Cheese cravings. These simple ways can provide you with healthy food without compromising the flavors.

• The easiest way to reduce high calories and fat is to replace the cream with skim milk and butter with olive oil or peanut butter.
• Add parmesan instead of cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Parmesan has fewer calories which makes your food healthy.
• You can cut the excess cheese, butter, or cream by adding herbs and spices such as white pepper or smoky cumin, adding flavor to your recipe.
• Add veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli to your Mac and cheese, making it a fibrous and healthy dish.
• Instead of plain macaroni made from all-purpose flour, use whole-wheat macaroni to get high protein and fiber.
• You can also add diced chicken breast, making the recipe healthier and more delicious.
• Remember to reduce its consumption daily and limit the serving to not more than 250 grams per day.

Recipe of Low-calorie Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This recipe for macaroni and cheese is both quick and delicious. While fancy versions of this dish can be made with expensive cheeses, they sometimes taste better and cost up to $40 or $50 to prepare. This simple recipe, on the other hand, is both affordable and tasty.

Cook this healthy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe without losing its creamy and tasty flavor.

• Cook Time: 25 min
• Servings: 6
• Nutritional Fact:

Calorie: 200, Fat: 11 gm, Protein: 19 gm, Carbs: 34 gm, Fiber: 4 gm, Sodium: 391 mg.

Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese

• 1½ cups uncooked whole wheat macaroni
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1½ cups diced chicken
• 1 cup parse man grated
• White Pepper crushed (1 tsp)
• ¼ cup arrowroot powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Directions to Prepare Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the macaroni in a bowl of water on medium flame. Cook until it becomes tender and soft.
2. Now drain the excess water and keep the macaroni aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Celsius.
4. Make the béchamel sauce by melting butter in a pan.
5. Sauté the onions until they become tender.
6. Add the arrowroot powder into it and keep stirring for 2 minutes.
7. When the mixture turns thick and golden brown, add almond milk slowly and keep stirring until the sauce turns smooth.
8. Add grated cheese, pepper, and salt to the mixture and cook on low flame for 2 minutes. Set aside.
9. Heal olive oil in a pan. Add the chopped cauliflower, broccoli, and carrot and cook it on low flame until the veggies turn soft.
10. Take a large mixing bowl. Add the béchamel sauce, cooked macaroni, and veggies. Mix all well
11. Please place it in a casserole dish greased with olive oil.
12. Bake it for 15-20 minutes and season with salt and pepper.

Serve it hot to your loved ones.

Summing Up on Mac and Cheese

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