HEALTHY MAC AND CHEESE?!
Yup, you read that right! Mac and cheese is such a staple food, so of course I had to make a healthy version! I shared a very similar recipe a little while ago but this recipe is creamier and loaded with even more mushrooms and breadcrumbs {which are just the icing on the cake!}.
This recipe does not contain any cheese, yet it tastes like it! Secret ingredient? Nutritional Yeast. Nutritional Yeast is an inactive form of yeast that is mainly sold as flakes. It is yellow in colour and has the taste of cheddar cheese. Nutritional Yeast not only provides a great alternative to those who do not eat cheese but it is also very nutritious! It is a great source of vitamin B12, which is perfect for those who do not consume animal products. It tastes great in recipes {like this one} or sprinkled on various foods such as popcorn, veggie burgers, etc. You can find Nutritional Yeast either in the bulk section or in the organic/health food aisle at the grocery store.
In this recipe I added lots of mushrooms because it adds more texture and I honestly just LOVE mushrooms. If you are not a fan- feel free to leave them out, the recipe is still delicious. As for the breadcrumbs, you can purchase typical breadcrumbs or simply pop a piece of whole grain bread into the toaster, let it cool and then blend it for instant breadcrumbs!
PrintHealthy Mac and Cheese for Two
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy and nutritious Mac and Cheese recipe that is dairy-free and perfect serving size for two!
Ingredients
- Cheese Sauce
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast {be generous!}
- 1/2 a garlic clove
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Other
- 8–10 mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice elbow pasta
- 1–2 slices of whole grain bread {or choose healthy gluten-free bread} for breadcrumbs or purchase breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.
- Begin by boiling water and add elbow pasta to water for about 20 minutes {see packaging for a more accurate time} Drain once cooked.
- In a skillet, sauté mushrooms with olive oil until softened {about 15 minutes}
- While those are cooking, add all ingredients for cheese sauce into high speed blender until creamy texture is reached. It may have more of a liquid consistency and that is okay!
- Once mushrooms are done, combine pasta, cheese sauce and mushrooms to large bowl and stir well.
- For the breadcrumbs: Toast 1 piece of toast, let it cool and add to blender on high speed until breadcrumbs are formed.
- Add mac and cheese to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and place in oven for 15 minutes.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe also tastes really good cold. Make more for leftovers for tomorrows lunch!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Lunch, Main Dish,
Thanks for reading!
-Brittney
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Karly
A cheesy, pasta-y dish I don’t have to feel guilty about!? Miracles DO happen!! I’m loving this!
Exploring Healthy Foods
haha YES!! Thanks so much!!