Low Fat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Indulge in a guilt-free twist on comfort food with this Low Fat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe, a healthier homage to the classic Southern favorite. Crafted with whole wheat elbow macaroni, melted low-fat cheddar and mozzarella, and a touch of light cream cheese for velvety richness, this dish delivers all the creamy decadence you love without the heavy calories. A subtle blend of dry mustard, onion powder, and black pepper infuses the sauce with bold, savory flavor, while a quick bake in the oven creates a perfectly golden, bubbly topping. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy, wholesome recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a lighter side dish at your next family gathering. Satisfy your cheesy cravings with every bite of this irresistible low-fat makeover!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1.5 cups low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces light cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni for about 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the skim milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the light cream cheese. Stir until it melts completely and combines with the milk mixture.

Step 5

Add the shredded low-fat sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese slowly, stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with dry mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated evenly.

Step 9

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1108.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2111.0

Total Fat 71.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 227.9mg	0%
Sodium 3364.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 228.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.9g	0%
Total Sugars 37.9g
Protein 130.5g	0%

Vitamin D 264.3IU	0%
Calcium 2478.7mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 1888.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.8%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 44.0%