Slim 'N Trim Macaroni And Cheese
A creamy, flavorful macaroni and cheese with a hint of Dijon mustard, crisp bacon, and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting yet lighter family meal.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups cooked, drained macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 slice cooked bacon ⓘ
- 7 ounces sharp shredded cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 slice bread, crumbled ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked, drained macaroni, shredded sharp cheese, chopped onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a blender, process cottage cheese, evaporated skim milk, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the macaroni mixture and stir well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole coated with nonstick spray.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and mix with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the bacon mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more low-fat cottage cheese or using a blend of cheeses. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms for added flavor. You can also swap the Dijon mustard for yellow mustard if that's what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This Slim 'N Trim Macaroni and Cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Richard'S Cabbage for a delightful contrast in flavors. For a heartier option, serve with grilled chicken or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until warm. Adding a splash of skim milk can help restore creaminess during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slim 'N Trim Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 606 calories, with 18g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% 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 use whole wheat macaroni instead of regular macaroni?
Yes, whole wheat macaroni can be a great substitute as it adds more fiber and nutrients. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu blended with non-dairy milk instead of cottage cheese. Be sure to choose a dairy-free cheese that melts well to achieve a creamy texture in your macaroni and cheese.
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).