5 Healthier Mac and Cheese Recipes

By Sophia Breene

From Greek yogurt to butternut squash, there are tons of inventive ways to lighten up classic macaroni and cheese. These five recipes are healthy (but still delicious) versions of the comfort-food staple. With less cheese, cream, and butter than typical recipes (and less artificial ingredients than boxed varieties), there’s no excuse not to whip up a healthier batch of mac. So pull out the casserole dish, get the pasta boiling, and bake up a warming, gooey batch of macaroni and cheese tonight.

Photo: Vegan Yack Attack

1. Buffalo Chickpea Mac n Cheese

This vegan macaroni dish is a little unconventional, but the non-traditional additions are definitely worth the effort. The noodles are topped with crunchy romaine lettuce, spicy Buffalo roasted chickpeas, and creamy (non-dairy) ranch-style dressing.

Photo: Eat Yourself Skinny

2. Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese

Low-cal butternut squash and Greek yogurt make this pasta dish super creamy and comforting without, you know, cream. A sprinkle of whole-wheat breadcrumbs on top adds some crunch. Plus, it freezes perfectly for last-minute dinners.

Photo: Eats Well With Others

3. Broccoli-Basil Mac n Cheese

This healthy casserole is topped with breadcrumbs made of (wait for it… ) broccoli. The cheesy sauce includes butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, and Greek Yogurt. With practically more veggies than noodles, this is definitely a mac and cheese recipe you can feel good about chowing down on.

Photo: The Vedge

4. Vegan, Gluten-Free Mac n Cheese

Feeling nostalgic for the blue box of your youth? This ooey gooey recipe is a grown-up substitution without the powdered, chemical cheese. It’s vegan and gluten-free and gets much of its creaminess (and nostalgic yellow color) from steamed, chopped-up cauliflower and sweet potatoes.

Photo: Confections of a Foodie Bride

5. Bacon and Pea Macaroni …read more

Source:: Greatist