If you are a fan of easy-to-prepare meals, then you must have tried macaroni or noodles with cheese. And if you are counting calories, you should know that 1 Oz of dry mix yields macaroni or noodles with cheese, which contains around 171 calories. But that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice taste for health concerns. With some simple tricks and substitutions, you can enjoy this comfort food guilt-free.

Let's first take a look at the nutritional information of the dry mix that you will be using. The calories in the dry mix vary depending on the brand and the additional ingredients used. However, most of them contain high amounts of carbs and saturated fat. Therefore, it is important to use portion control and mix in some healthier ingredients to make it more nutritious.

In this article, we'll explore some healthy alternatives and tasty recipes that you can make with macaroni or noodles with cheese. From vegan to gluten-free options, we have got you covered. Let's get started.

How to Prepare Macaroni or Noodles with Cheese?

Preparing macaroni or noodles with cheese from a dry mix is quite easy. The first step is to boil the pasta and drain it. Next, add the dry cheese mix powder, milk, and butter to the pasta pan. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the cheese is melted. You can also add some herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. That's it, your macaroni or noodles with cheese is ready to enjoy. To make a healthier version of this dish, you can use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, low-fat milk, and olive oil instead of butter. You can also add some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes to make it more nutritious. If you want to make a creamier version of the dish, you can also add some cream cheese or sour cream to the mix. This will give it a more velvety texture and delicious taste.

Nutritional Information of Dry Mix

As mentioned earlier, the nutritional value of the dry mix can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. However, on average, 1 Oz, dry yields macaroni or noodles with cheese contains around 171 calories, 7g fat, 4g saturated fat, 23g carbs, 2g sugar, 5g protein, and 0.5g fiber. It also contains high amounts of sodium, around 490mg or more per serving. Therefore, it is important to use portion control and choose a healthy brand that uses organic, whole ingredients and low amounts of salt and sugar. You can also mix in some veggies or protein sources to make it more balanced.

Healthy Alternatives to Macaroni with Cheese

If you want to avoid the high carb and fat content of macaroni or noodles with cheese, here are some healthy alternatives that you can try:

• Cauliflower mac and cheese: Replace the pasta with roasted cauliflower florets and use a cheese sauce made with almond milk and nutritional yeast.
• Zucchini noodles with cheese: Use a spiralizer to turn zucchini into noodles and top it with a cheesy sauce made with low-fat milk and parmesan cheese.
• Spaghetti squash mac and cheese: Roast spaghetti squash and mix it with a sauce made with Greek yogurt, low-fat cheese, and herbs.

These alternatives are also gluten-free and low in calories, making them perfect for those who are watching their weight or have dietary restrictions.

Homemade Noodles with Cheese Recipe

If you want to make macaroni or noodles with cheese from scratch, here's a simple recipe:

• Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp butter, Salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Boil the macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and keep aside. In another pan, melt the butter and add the milk. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat. Add the shredded cheese to the pan and mix well. Once the cheese has melted, add the drained macaroni to the pan and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

You can customize this recipe by adding some veggies, meats, or herbs of your choice. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or fontina to give it a different flavor.

Mac and Cheese with Vegetables

Adding some veggies to your macaroni or noodles with cheese is a great way to make it more nutritious and colorful. Here are some veggies that you can mix in with your dish:

• Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets and toss them with the macaroni and cheese sauce.
• Peas: Mix in some boiled peas to the macaroni and cheese to give it a sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
• Corn: Boil some corn kernels and mix them in with the macaroni and cheese for a creamy and buttery taste.

You can also add some leafy greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens to your dish to add some fiber and vitamins. Just sauté them with some garlic and olive oil before mixing them in with the macaroni and cheese.

The Best Cheese for Macaroni and Cheese

Any cheese can be used for macaroni or noodles with cheese. However, some cheeses are more suitable for this dish than others. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for macaroni and cheese:

• Cheddar: This is the classic cheese used for mac and cheese. It has a sharp and tangy flavor that goes well with the creaminess of the dish.
• Colby: This cheese has a mild flavor and gives the dish a creamy texture.
• Fontina: This cheese melts easily and has a nutty flavor that complements the pasta well.
• Gouda: This cheese has a rich and buttery taste that adds depth to the dish.

You can also mix and match these cheeses to create your own unique flavor. Just make sure to use high-quality cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.

Macaroni with Ground Beef and Cheese

If you want to make a more substantial meal out of your macaroni or noodles with cheese, you can add some ground beef to it. Here's a recipe you can try:

• Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 lb ground beef, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/2 onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Boil the macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and keep aside. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the pan and brown it. Once the beef is cooked, add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the pan and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. In another pan, melt the shredded cheese with some milk and butter. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan with the beef sauce and mix well. Pour the cheese mixture on top of the macaroni and beef and stir. Serve hot.

This recipe is great for a hearty family dinner or potluck. You can also add some veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the beef sauce to make it even more nutritious.

Kid-Friendly Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni or noodles with cheese is a popular dish among kids. Here's a recipe you can make that your kids will love:

• Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp butter, Salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Boil the macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and keep aside. In another pan, melt the butter and add the milk. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat. Add the shredded cheese to the pan and mix well. Once the cheese has melted, add the drained macaroni to the pan and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

You can also shape the macaroni into fun shapes like stars, hearts, or animals to make it more appealing to kids. You can also add some hidden veggies like pureed carrots or sweet potatoes to the cheese sauce to give it some extra nutrients.

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

If you have a gluten intolerance or just want to avoid gluten, you can still enjoy macaroni or noodles with cheese. Here's a gluten-free recipe you can try:

• Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free elbow macaroni, 2 cups almond milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp butter, Salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Boil the gluten-free macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and keep aside. In another pan, melt the butter and add the cornstarch. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Add the almond milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the shredded cheese to the pan. Mix well until the cheese has melted. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

You can also use other gluten-free pasta like rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta to make this dish. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions.

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

If you are following a vegan diet, you don't have to miss out on macaroni or noodles with cheese. Here's a vegan recipe you can make:

• Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 2 cups nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Boil the macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and keep aside. In another pan, heat the olive oil and add the cornstarch. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Add the almond milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the nutritional yeast to the pan. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

You can also add some veggies like roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to the dish to add some flavor and nutrients. You can also use other vegan cheeses like cashew cheese, tofu cheese, or almond cheese to create your own unique flavor.