Low Sodium Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Low Sodium Classic Creamy Mac & Cheese—a lighter twist on the timeless favorite. Made with whole wheat elbow macaroni, a velvety cheese sauce crafted from low sodium sharp cheddar and mozzarella, and a delicate blend of spices like mustard powder, garlic, and paprika, this dish delivers all the creamy goodness you crave without the excess sodium. Perfect for anyone looking to maintain heart health or reduce salt intake, this recipe doesn't compromise on flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with toasted bread crumbs or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra texture and freshness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this wholesome mac and cheese is a family-friendly classic reimagined for a healthier lifestyle.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Low sodium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Low sodium mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground mustard powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 cup Bread crumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a fragrant roux.
Step 3
Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and add the low sodium sharp cheddar cheese and low sodium mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with black pepper, ground mustard powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
Step 6
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold until all pasta is well-coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 7
If desired, transfer the mac & cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle the optional bread crumbs on top, and broil for 3-4 minutes until the crumbs are golden brown.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your rich and creamy low sodium mac & cheese.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1318.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3072.5 |
| Total Fat 171.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 102.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g | |
| Cholesterol 517.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1257.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 267.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 38.2g | |
| Protein 146.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 316.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3279.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1950.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories