Low Fat Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls

Indulge in guilt-free comfort food with these Low Fat Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls, a lighter spin on a classic favorite. Made with whole wheat elbow macaroni and a velvety blend of reduced-fat sharp cheddar, parmesan, and light cream cheese, these perfectly portioned bites are packed with cheesy flavor while remaining waistline-friendly. A crunchy breadcrumb coating adds an irresistible crispness, achieved by baking rather than frying, and a touch of olive oil cooking spray ensures they're still golden and satisfying. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or snack-time cravings, these healthier mac and cheese balls are everything you love about the original recipe, reimagined for a wholesome twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 250 grams whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 240 ml unsweetened almond milk
• 100 grams sharp cheddar cheese, reduced-fat
• 30 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 30 grams all-purpose flour
• 50 grams light cream cheese
• 15 grams dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 150 grams breadcrumbs
• 0 olive oil cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the unsweetened almond milk and bring to a simmer.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in the all-purpose flour, ensuring there are no lumps, and continue to cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, light cream cheese, and dijon mustard, continuing to stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 5

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Once the mac and cheese mixture is firm, take tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.

Step 8

Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 9

Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spritz with olive oil cooking spray.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the mac and cheese balls are golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Allow cooling slightly before serving. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(879.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2152.2

Total Fat 57.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 110.6mg	0%
Sodium 6610.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 335.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 102.1g	0%

Vitamin D 116.5IU	0%
Calcium 1680.6mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 953.2mg	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: 22.9%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 59.1%