Eight Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipes

Photos via The Almond Eater / Thriving Home / Connoisseurus Veg / Food Faith Fitness

I don’t know about you, but after daylight savings kicks in, all I want to do is eat big bowls of mac and cheese (or chili, or soup) while lying on my couch under a heap of blankets. The good news: Healthy mac and cheese recipes do exist.

After you manage to drag yourself off the couch and to the gym, try making one of these recipes for dinner. All of these dishes retain the same creamy, cheesy flavor as the comfort food classic but sneak in healthy swaps like zucchini noodles for pasta and Greek yogurt for heavy cream.

1. Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato
Via Thriving Home

To create the creamy texture, but without the heavy ingredients, this recipe uses sweet potato and Greek yogurt as the base of the cheese sauce. Plus, whole wheat macaroni is used for extra fiber.

2. Gluten Free Mac and Cheese with Zucchini Noodles
Via Food Faith Fitness

Traditional noodles are replaced by zucchini noodles for a lower calorie dish and added nutrients. When drying the zucchini after cooking, be sure to get out as much water as possible so you don’t end up with soggy mac and cheese.

3. Vegan Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
Via Connoisseurus Veg

Nutritional yeast and white miso paste bring the cheese flavor to this vegan recipe. The sauce also sneaks in some vegetables—cauliflower and carrots—and gets the creaminess from soy or almond milk.

4. Healthier Veggie Mac & Cheese
Via Kitchn

This recipe features an extra flavorful cheese sauce made with goat cheese and Greek yogurt. Basil adds a spicy flavor, while broccoli and red peppers give the dish some crunch.

5. Healthy Mac and Cheese with Creamed Spinach
Via Feed Me Phoebe

For those with gluten sensitivities, this mac and cheese uses gluten-free pasta, as well as gluten-free or brown rice flour. To make the top of the dish extra crispy, pop it in the broiler for a few minutes.

6. Avocado Mac and Cheese
Via Lauren Gleisberg

For a boost of healthy fats, this sauce uses avocado as the base. Plus, cilantro, onion, and lime add a tangy flavor. To add protein, try serving with a topping of grilled chicken.

7. Mushroom and White Truffle Mac and Cheese
Via The Almond Eater 

This decadent mac and cheese recipe features rich truffle oil complemented by mushrooms. The meal can be made in only 30 minutes and in one skillet.

8. Cauliflower Mac n Cheese
Via Mince Republic

As a keto-friendly option, cauliflower is used instead of pasta. Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower florets or the dish will be mushy. This dish would work well as a comfort food side dish.