Low Cholesterol Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy low cholesterol macaroni and cheese with fresh herbs, offering a comforting yet heart-healthy option perfect for those seeking flavor without excess fat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded low-fat Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, omitting oil and salt; drain.
- Rinse macaroni under cold running water and drain again.
- Set macaroni aside.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, pepper, and oregano; cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture is smooth.
- Gradually whisk in skim milk, bringing to a gentle simmer and stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add shredded low-fat Swiss and Cheddar cheeses; stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in chopped parsley and chopped tomato if using.
- Combine sauce with cooked macaroni and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more skim milk or using a low-fat cream cheese blend. You can substitute the low-fat Swiss and Cheddar cheeses with your favorite low-fat cheese varieties if desired. If you want to add some extra flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg into the sauce. This recipe is a healthier take on classic macaroni and cheese, making it a great choice for comfort food lovers.
Serving Suggestions
This Low Cholesterol Macaroni and Cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added protein, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or turkey. You can also customize portions by adding cooked broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition. Enjoy this comforting dish as a satisfying main course or as a delightful side to your favorite American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of skim milk to the macaroni and cheese to keep it creamy. Warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Cholesterol Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 1153 calories, with 17g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to store the sauce and pasta separately if possible. When ready to serve, combine them and heat thoroughly, adding a bit of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for the sauce. This will allow you to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this comforting dish without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace skim milk with any non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, to make it dairy-free. Just ensure that the non-dairy milk you choose is unsweetened and unflavored for the best results. This substitution works well while keeping the dish creamy and delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).