Light Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower Recipe

pyrex casserole dish filled with baked cauliflower macaroni and cheese on patterned tablecloth

4.63 from 16 votes

Light Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower Recipe

This light macaroni and cheese with cauliflower makes an easy, healthy and delicious family friendly meal with just 310 calories!

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cauliflower mac and cheese, healthy macaroni and cheese, veggie mac & cheese

Servings:

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Equipment

Ingredients

8 ounces macaroni (about 2 cups) (gluten-free, if desired)
10 ounces cauliflower florets (about 2-1/2 cups), cut into bite-size pieces
12 ounces fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup non fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat American cheese
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided use
2-1/2 ounces chopped cooked bacon (I used 6 slices of fully cooked bacon)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Dusting of paprika (optional)

Instructions

Heat oven to 350F. degrees. Grease an oblong 11 x 7 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the macaroni in well salted water, according to the package directions, adding the cauliflower during the last five minutes of cooking. Drain and return to the pot.
Add the milk, yogurt, American cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, bacon, salt and pepper.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
Spread the light macaroni and cheese with cauliflower mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle lightly with the paprika if using.
Bake until bubbly and beginning to turn golden on top, 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve hot with a tossed green salad, if desired.

Notes

Serving size: 1 generous cup

WW Points: 10

Check your WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

9 SmartPoints (Green plan)

9 SmartPoints (Blue plan)

9 SmartPoints (Purple plan)

8 PointsPlus (Old plan)

I love how the cauliflower helped to bulk up this macaroni and cheese, adding both texture and a subtle sweet flavor. Served with a big green salad, it made for a satisfying supper.

I added a little chopped cooked bacon, but you could easily skip it, making it work for a Meatless Monday.

Nutrition