It’s tempting to grab a store-bought boxed mix, but nothing beats the rich, creamy comfort of homemade mac and cheese, especially when it’s secretly healthy. This Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe blends reduced fat sharp cheddar, part-skim mozzarella, Dijon mustard, and nonfat sour cream into a silky, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of tender multigrain pasta. With 19g of protein per serving, it’s a high protein mac and cheese that’s filling enough for dinner yet light enough for meal prep. Made with nutrient-rich ingredients and baked until golden on top, it’s a satisfying option for heart healthy dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want classic comfort with a nutritious twist. For a gluten free mac and cheese, just swap in gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a healthy pasta dish that’s just as easy and delicious!
Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out our full collection of healthy pasta recipes for satisfying mains and sides. And don’t miss our healthy side dish recipes to round out any meal with flavor and flair.
BONUS: We’ve included instructions for making this mac and cheese in a crockpot! Just scroll down the page to find them!
Lighter Baked Mac and Cheese with Real Cheddar and Multigrain Pasta
If you’ve been looking for a healthy baked mac and cheese that still brings the classic creaminess and flavor, this one hits the mark. The cheese sauce gets its richness from a mix of nonfat sour cream, skim milk, and just a little unsalted butter, instead of heavy cream. Using multigrain pasta adds extra fiber and protein, while the reduced-fat cheddar and mozzarella keep the flavor sharp without going overboard on fat. This is a healthier mac and cheese that works for both adults and kids, whether you're serving it as a cozy side or a quick dinner. With only 281 calories per cup, it’s an old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese recipe you can feel good about making on repeat.
Traditional mac and cheese can be high in saturated fat and sodium. This healthy mac and cheese recipe cuts down on both by using reduced-fat cheese, nonfat dairy, and multigrain pasta, all while keeping the protein high.
To make gluten free baked mac and cheese, simply swap in certified gluten-free elbow macaroni and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients stay the same and you still get that creamy, cheesy texture.
Not by default. Regular pasta and bread crumbs contain gluten. Use gluten-free versions of both to make it safe for a gluten-free diet.
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds a classic bold flavor. Combining it with a little part-skim mozzarella gives the sauce that stretchy, gooey texture without extra fat.
Yes. Freeze it in airtight containers in single portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
The key is balancing a flavorful cheese mix with a creamy base like milk and sour cream. Stir the sauce gently and don't overbake — that keeps it smooth and not grainy.
Absolutely. Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach before baking to boost fiber and nutrients.
Add shredded rotisserie chicken, white beans, or even canned tuna for extra protein. It turns into a full high protein mac and cheese recipe with no extra prep.
These healthy mac and cheese recipes make great sides for potlucks and family dinners — or serve them on their own as easy pasta suppers. They’ve been lightened up without losing the creamy, cheesy texture everyone loves. Here are a few more to try:
If you’re wondering how our Healthy Mac and Cheese stacks up against the classic boxed kind, the difference is bigger than just taste. Kraft® Mac and Cheese is convenient, but it’s also higher in sodium and carbs; furthermore, it offers far less protein and fiber. Our version gives you real cheese, no mystery ingredients, and nearly double the protein per serving with fewer calories and fat.
Here’s how our Healthy Mac and Cheese compares to a 1-cup serving of Kraft® Macaroni and Cheese:
Choosing our healthy homemade mac and cheese means you get a more balanced meal with more staying power and better nutrition. It’s a simple upgrade that’s still easy to make and family-friendly.
Recipe yields 6 servings
Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish or 6 (7-oz) ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
In a saucepan, combine milk, sour cream, butter, mustard, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until cheese is melted and a sauce forms.
In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Pour macaroni into prepared casserole or ramekins.
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and paprika. Sprinkle mixture over macaroni mixture. Cover and bake for 30 minutes in casserole or 5 minutes in ramekins.
Uncover; bake 5 minutes longer, or until bread crumbs are golden.
Looking to make this into an easy crockpot mac and cheese? This method lets you skip the oven and keep things hands-off with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for weeknights or potlucks. The result is rich, creamy crockpot macaroni and cheese without needing to pre-boil the pasta.
To make mac and cheese in the crockpot:Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the uncooked multigrain elbow pasta, milk, sour cream, melted butter, Dijon mustard, cheeses, salt, and pepper directly into the crockpot. Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on low for 1½ to 2½ hours, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy. Top with paprika and bread crumbs and cook uncovered on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to slightly crisp the top.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 2 hours 15 minutesTotal Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
This easy crockpot macaroni and cheese is just as tasty as making it in the oven and allows you to set it and forget it.
To make dairy free mac and cheese, use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk and your favorite dairy-free sour cream. Swap in shredded plant-based cheese that melts well, like a cashew-based cheddar.
Choose a certified gluten-free elbow pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This swap turns it into a satisfying gluten free baked mac and cheese.
Try yellow mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar tang. If available, use organic Dijon mustard which well lower the sodium.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein.
Use whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for added fiber and protein.
If you're a macaroni and cheese lover, you’ll definitely want to check out these other healthy cheesy pasta recipes. Each one delivers that warm, cheesy satisfaction in a lighter way — with options perfect for dinner or meal prep.