Low Sodium Homemade Mac n Cheese
Creamy, comforting, and heartily satisfying, this Low Sodium Homemade Mac n Cheese offers all the indulgent flavors of the classic dish with a healthier twist. Crafted with unsalted butter, a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, this recipe keeps the sodium levels in check without sacrificing flavor. The velvety, homemade cheese sauce is perfectly seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper for a subtle yet mouthwatering depth. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this lighter take on everyone’s favorite comfort food, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve this low-sodium mac and cheese on its own or pair it with a crisp side salad for a well-rounded meal!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, constantly stirring to form a smooth paste (roux).
Step 3
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, pouring slowly and stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 3–5 minutes.
Step 4
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine and ensure all pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Step 6
Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of paprika for a splash of color, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1186.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2810.2 |
| Total Fat 157.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 95.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g | |
| Cholesterol 477.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2476.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 229.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 37.6g | |
| Protein 127.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 316.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2811.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1231.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories