Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (2024)

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by Todd + Diane

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (1)This recipe was originally published in 2012 and was updated & republished in 2020 with a new video.

Aside from a bowl of hot, brothy noodles, no other dish comforts me more than a bowl of mac and cheese. Since I developed my one pot stove top mac and cheese recipe, I’ve made it easier to stuff my face silly with cheesy-happiness. But to alleviate some of the calorie guilt of inhaling 3 bowls, I think of greens.

Oh yes, broccoli-greens-healthier-better-eat more. This sounds like a rational formula to eating Mac and cheese a few times a week. I love giving myself excuses for eating more by adding something, anything and always green. favorite colors as a kid so all this makes sense.Feeling so inspired, I googled to find a broccoli mac and cheese recipe. Lo and behold, I found this one by Gina.

Video : Skinny Broccoli Mac and Cheese


Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (2)

Light Mac and Cheese Recipe with Broccoli

A skinny mac and cheese recipe by a skinny girl? Oh yes, I’m all for it. I feel healthier already. Gina’s recipe looked amazing with the chicken broth for less fat and lots of flavor.Off I go into my kitchen make an inspired skinny mac an cheese. As I assemble my ingredients I notice I already lost the skinny battle.Per Gina’s recipe, I don’t have any fat free chicken broth. Ok, so my version will be a little less skinny.

Oh wait, I don’t have skim milk. Maybe my version won’t be so skinny.And I used more Parmesan cheese cause my brain doesn’t comprehend anything below one cup of Parmesan cheese. Now, let’s just forget the skinny.Fine, alright, ok. My version isn’t so skinny anymore but it’s darn delicious and it’s got extra broccoli in it! Gina’s recipe is wonderful and for those of you who have a healthier stocked kitchen than I do, then her version is for you.

For the rest of you, here’s my Not So Skinny broccoli Mac and cheese recipe.

Broccoli power,

diane

cook mac pasta a little firm, al dente so that after baking, the texture is perfect

This was originally published in 2012 and was updated & republished in 2020.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (6)

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Yield: 8 Servings

Total Time: 1 hour hr

Slightly adapted from Gina's Skinny Broccoli Mac and Cheese. I used more parmesan cheese because I just love it to death. Try cooking the pasta a little al dente (firm) so that after baking in the oven, the pasta becomes the perfect bite and texture. If you wanted to add more richness or flavor, just add more cheese.

5 from 3 votes

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz (453 g) dried elbow macaroni , cooked to pkg. instructions, but leaving them a little firm
  • 2 medium (2 medium) heads fresh broccoli (14-16oz), but in small bite size pieces
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) butter , or olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) flour
  • 1 (1) small onion , minced
  • 3 cloves (3 cloves) garlic , minced (optional)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) chicken or vegetable broth , or stock
  • 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • about 1/2 cup of extra cheese for topping
  • 1/4 cup (27 g) bread crumbs
  • 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) kosher salt and black pepper , or to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.Grease a large 9 x 12 baking dish.

  • In large pot, boil water and cook pasta to instructions, but leaving pasta a little al dente. About 3 minutes before draining pasta, add broccoli to cook in water alongside pasta. I like my broccoli a little firm, so that it doesn't end up mushy after the bake. You can decide how cooked you want your broccoli by adding it in sooner.

  • While pasta is cooking prepare the cheese and milk mixture. In large pot on medium heat, add butter/oil, onions and garlic. Cook until soft, then add flour. Stir flour quickly to combine the flour and onion rue mixture. Add milk and broth/stock.

  • Allow mixture to come to a boil and sauce will thicken. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  • Drain your cooked pasta and broccoli and add to cheese mixture. Gently mix together and pour into baking dish. Add extra cheese and bread crumbs on top.

  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted with a nice crust.

Video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 415kcal, Carbohydrates: 63g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 498mg, Potassium: 734mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 1335IU, Vitamin C: 137mg, Calcium: 302mg, Iron: 2mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian, Oven

Calories: 415

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Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (7)

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37 comments on “Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe- A not so skinny version”

  1. Candace May 4, 2020 @ 9:40 pm Reply

    We made this recipe with the kids (who aren’t too keen on veggies) and they absolutely loved it! This is now our favorite mac & cheese recipe!Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (10)

  2. Kris May 4, 2020 @ 12:09 pm Reply

    What is the name of your diet recipe page? I forgot it and can’t find it linked here or on your personal page. Thanks!

    • May 9, 2020 @ 10:45 am Reply

      Hi Kris, we have a low carb recipe site here. Thanks! EatBetterRecipes.com

Leave a Reply

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe that's Skinny, Healthier and Less Rich (2024)

FAQs

How do you cut the richness in mac and cheese? ›

I'm gonna add some ground, dried mustard powder. It's classic for macaroni and cheese. It helps to cut the richness in the cream sauce. And just a pinch of cayenne.

Does macaroni and cheese fit into a healthy diet? ›

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.

How do you thin out mac and cheese? ›

Side Note: Unlike its baked counterpart, stovetop macaroni and cheese is much easier to fix when too dry. If it looks too thick on the stovetop, splash in a few tablespoons of milk while still on the heat. Be careful to add a little at a time to avoid loosening the sauce too much or splitting it.

What is the nutritional value of homemade macaroni and cheese? ›

Macaroni and cheese, homemade (1 cup) contains 38.6g total carbs, 36.7g net carbs, 23.7g fat, 19.5g protein, and 446 calories.

How to reduce richness? ›

The taste of grapefruit, dark greens or beer can help to cut through the richness or sweetness of a meal. Sourness: Think of vinegar and citrus. Acidity works wonders in balancing a dish, adding liveliness and counteracting sweetness and heat.

Why put mustard in mac and cheese? ›

Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient you should always add to your Mac and cheese. The acidity in the mustard helps cut through the fat. You can find it in the spice section of any major grocery store. Otherwise, swap it for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard to taste or omit it.

Can I eat mac and cheese and lose weight? ›

No. Traditional mac is high in saturated fats and sodium due to the amount of butter, cheese and milk it contains, which makes it a relatively unhealthy dish. This means it is also likely to be very calorific as fats are calorie dense, so it is not great for a weight loss diet either.

Can I eat macaroni and still lose weight? ›

Dietitians and other health care professionals should consider pasta as a low-glycemic carbohydrate option within the context of a healthy diet or a weight loss/weight maintenance diet.

What protein goes with mac and cheese? ›

Popular choices are bacon, ground beef, shredded chicken, cooked sausage or pulled pork, which add a savory depth to the dish. Is mac and cheese for dinner? Absolutely! Mac and cheese can be a satisfying main dish, especially when paired with sides like a protein or a salad.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What cheese to avoid for mac and cheese? ›

Feta has a high moisture level and doesn't melt properly, so it would clump rather than give you a smooth sauce. This also goes for cheeses like queso fresco and paneer.

What thickens mac and cheese? ›

Both the flour and the cheese help thicken the sauce.

How unhealthy is Kraft mac and cheese? ›

Honestly, Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese isn't the absolute worst when it comes to boxed varieties. The calories are on the lower end, as well as the fat and sodium, but what isn't ideal is its lack of fiber, which is the same issue with their White Cheddar Shells.

Can diabetics have macaroni and cheese? ›

Whole grain carbohydrates include whole-wheat pastas and breads, brown rice and cereals that are high in fibre. These types of carbs are digested more slowly, keeping blood sugar levels even. Even comfort foods, such as macaroni and cheese can be diabetes-friendly! Cook pasta according to package instructions.

What is a healthy portion of mac and cheese? ›

Also, keep in mind that because mac and cheese is typically rich and calorie-laden, you should enjoy it in moderation and limit your serving size to no more than 1 cup (approximately 150–250 grams) per serving. There are several ways to lower the calorie count of your mac and cheese, as well as make it healthier.

How do you cut the richness of a sauce? ›

If your food is too rich...

Add an acid such as lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or pickled vegetables (such as jalapeños).

How do you make mac and cheese less bland? ›

Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it. If the problem was the cheese you use doesn't have much flavor, then try adding some other flavors, such has mustard or hot sauce.

How do you get the graininess out of mac and cheese? ›

To fix a grainy cheese sauce, you can remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, then whisk it vigorously. Adding a small amount of cold milk or cream can help restore its smooth texture.

How do you cut the sharpness of cheddar in mac and cheese? ›

The longer it is aged, the sharper it becomes, so look for a younger, mild cheddar cheese. You could also use blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and something mild like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, which will decrease the sharpness.

References

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