Low Sodium Mac and Cheese Cup

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Low Sodium Mac and Cheese Cups—perfectly portioned bites of cheesy goodness that are light on salt but big on flavor. Made with tender elbow macaroni, a velvety homemade cheese sauce featuring low-sodium cheddar, and a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick, these individual cups are baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin. Ideal for meal prepping, kid-friendly dinners, or party appetizers, this quick and easy recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy a healthier twist on a classic mac and cheese!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1 cup Low sodium cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 as needed Cooking spray
• 1 teaspoon Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 6-7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded low sodium cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the ground black pepper and paprika to the cheese sauce, then combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce. Make sure all the macaroni is well coated.

Step 7

Divide the mac and cheese evenly among the muffin tin cups.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the tops are slightly golden and set.

Step 9

Allow the mac and cheese cups to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the muffin tin.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(479.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1117.8

Total Fat 58.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 180.3mg	0%
Sodium 295.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 15.4g
Protein 51.4g	0%

Vitamin D 131.4IU	0%
Calcium 1109.6mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 492.2mg	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: 46.5%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 35.2%