Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

If you’ve only been eating packaged macaroni and cheese, it’s time to try something new! This Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is just as quick and simple but without the processed ingredients. Made with just three basic ingredients—macaroni, milk, and shredded cheese—this creamy dish is healthier and perfect for a satisfying meal or side. Best of all, it comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights!

Have you only been eating packaged macaroni and cheese?  Did you know that you can make homemade macaroni and cheese yourself quickly and easily, without any of that weird cheese powder?  This homemade macaroni and cheese is also healthy, which makes it a great meal option for kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

• Quick and Easy: You can make this dish in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal when time is short.
• Healthy Alternative: This recipe skips the butter and processed ingredients, giving you a lighter but still delicious version of traditional mac and cheese.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy macaroni, making it a great option for family meals.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just three simple ingredients—macaroni, milk, and cheese—you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
• Versatile: This macaroni and cheese can be served as a main dish or as a side, and it’s easy to customize by adding veggies or your favorite protein.

This yummy mac and cheese recipe is very easy to make and uses just three simple ingredients – macaroni, milk and cheese.  This version of homemade macaroni and cheese is healthy too, because it doesn’t use any butter!

Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

• Pot: You’ll need this for boiling the pasta.
• Microwave-safe Bowl: Used for heating the milk, making the cheese melt smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate measurements of the milk and pasta.
• Spoon: To stir the cheese into the macaroni until it’s fully coated and creamy.

How To Make Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

• Boil the pasta according to the directions on the package until it’s al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the milk in the microwave until it’s hot.
• Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; return it to the pot.
• Add the hot milk and shredded cheese immediately to the pasta.
• Stir everything together vigorously until the cheese is completely melted and evenly coats the macaroni.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this healthy macaroni and cheese as a main dish with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots to add some extra nutrients.
• For a heartier meal, top the mac and cheese with grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips For Success

To get the best results when making this Easy Healthy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, follow these simple tips:

• Use Hot Milk: Heating the milk before adding it to the pasta helps the cheese melt smoothly. Cold milk can cause the cheese to clump, so don’t skip this step!
• Stir Quickly: Once you add the hot milk and cheese to the pasta, stir everything quickly and vigorously to ensure the cheese melts evenly and coats every piece of macaroni.
• Don’t Rinse the Pasta: After draining the pasta, avoid rinsing it with water. Rinsing removes the starch, which helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
• Choose the Right Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors. Just make sure it’s a type that melts well.
• Customize with Add-ins: You can easily boost the nutrition of this dish by mixing in cooked vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli. You can also add protein like shredded chicken, tuna, or even beans for a more filling meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-sensitive or catering to a gluten-free diet, swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. There are plenty of gluten-free pastas available that hold up well in this recipe without compromising on texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the cheese, there are various dairy-free shredded cheese options available, often made from cashews or coconut oil. These will still give you that cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
• Add Veggies: Give your macaroni and cheese a healthy twist by adding vegetables. Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, peas, or even roasted butternut squash for added color, flavor, and nutrition. Vegetables not only make the dish healthier but also more filling.
• Protein Boost: To turn this into a more substantial meal, add in protein-rich ingredients. You can mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, tuna, or even ground turkey. For a vegetarian option, toss in some chickpeas or black beans.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over your mac and cheese for a spicy twist.
• Different Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is the go-to for this recipe, you can try different cheeses depending on your taste preferences. Gouda, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can all change the flavor profile of this classic dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing the container to prevent excess moisture from forming.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can warm up the macaroni and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out, and stir over low heat until it’s heated through and creamy again.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra milk to restore its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, though elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for macaroni and cheese. Shells, penne, or even gluten-free pasta are great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

What kind of cheese works best in macaroni and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice because of its rich flavor and creamy texture when melted. However, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well to achieve that classic creamy consistency.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can make this macaroni and cheese dairy-free by using plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and dairy-free shredded cheese. Many brands offer great dairy-free cheese options that melt nicely and deliver that cheesy flavor.

How can I make the dish more filling?

You can make this macaroni and cheese more filling by adding cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas, or by mixing in proteins such as shredded chicken, tuna, or even beans. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Can I freeze leftover macaroni and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Store the cooled macaroni and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a little milk to bring back its creamy texture.