Low Fat Mac and Cheese Bites

Satisfy your mac and cheese cravings guilt-free with these Low Fat Mac and Cheese Bites, a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat elbow macaroni, reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of creamy fat-free cream cheese, these golden bites are big on flavor yet light on fat. Perfectly portioned and baked for a crispy breadcrumb-Parmesan topping, they’re a playful, protein-packed snack or appetizer that’s perfect for parties, meal prepping, or kid-friendly dinners. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a crunchy, cheesy finish, these handheld delights bring all the satisfaction of traditional mac and cheese in a healthier, portable package.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1.25 cups Low-fat milk
• 1 cup Reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons Fat-free cream cheese
• 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large Egg whites
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0 Non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the low-fat milk and the fat-free cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat all the pasta.

Step 6

In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg whites and add them to the macaroni and cheese mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup to the top and pressing gently to pack.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tops of the macaroni and cheese bites.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.

Step 10

Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently removing the bites. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(775.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1452.2

Total Fat 43.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 111.6mg	0%
Sodium 3213.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.6g	0%
Total Sugars 21.2g
Protein 91.3g	0%

Vitamin D 150IU	0%
Calcium 1545.3mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 948.6mg	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: 25.8%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 50.0%