Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Lite Yes Lite

Indulge in the creamy comfort of "Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Lite Yes Lite," a guilt-free twist on the classic dish that packs all the flavor with a fraction of the fat. Made with a wholesome trio of low-fat cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this lighter mac and cheese features a velvety sauce thickened with a simple roux and unsweetened almond milk, creating a rich yet health-conscious meal. Enhanced with the subtle warmth of garlic, onion, and mustard powders, every bite is a delightful balance of savory goodness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Serve as-is for creamy perfection or broil for a golden, bubbly top—comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying (or smart) than this!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 1 cup Low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.75 cup Low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups Unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or light butter
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground mustard powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil or light butter. Once heated, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in the almond milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the low-fat cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5

Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well.

Step 6

Start adding the cheeses: first, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, then the mozzarella cheese, and finally the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Remove from heat and let the mac and cheese sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Step 9

Optional: If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(980.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2123.3

Total Fat 77.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 186.3mg	0%
Sodium 4402.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 202.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.6g	0%
Total Sugars 15.6g
Protein 141.4g	0%

Vitamin D 150.0IU	0%
Calcium 3251.2mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 590.5mg	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: 33.7%

Protein: 27.3%

Carbs: 39.0%