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Home » Course » Dinner

Lightened Up Three-Cheese Macaroni

By: Kita · Published Nov 16, 2011 · Updated: Jan 5, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links

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Lightened up macaroni and cheese, with three types of cheese! The use of cauliflower keeps the calories in check. There isn't a better comfort food to keep a hungry stomach happy.

Lightened Up Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese \ PassTheSushi.com

As a food blogger, I feel obligated to present my readers with a Thanksgiving assortment of classic recipes, modern twists, and delectable desserts. Problem is, I don't cook Thanksgiving dinner (and to be 100% honest, I'm not down with pumpkin pie). That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a hearty scoop of homemade mashed potatoes slathered in gravy. Or a mountain of stuffing, surrounding a perfectly prepared slice of turkey. So, I'm going to do my best to present a few recipes before the big day that you may want to add to the assortment.

In late summer, we discovered the joy of roasted cauliflower and I've been keeping it on hand ever since. It's quickly become a favorite vegetable on our house and I've been looking for ways to use it as much as I can. Now, we all know someone who doesn't allow anyone to mess with their macaroni and cheese, but from time to time, we can all sneak a little something in.

I'm no dietitian, but this lightened-up macaroni and cheese recipe, adapted from from Food  Network magazine, would certainly fool me if I were counting calories. Heavy cream, lots of cheese, and pasta – I'm pretty sure the only redeeming quality is the cauliflower. However, if you want another lightened up version, check out this Gluten-free Mac and Cheese recipe.

Either way, it makes a delicious meal and even better leftovers. Especially when mixed with a little taco meat and reheated.

Lightened Up Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese  PassTheSushi.com

Decide for yourself if this is really lightened up or not. But taste it first, just to be sure. 😉

Lightened Up: Three-Cheese Macaroni

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Author: Kita

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup 2% milk
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ teas smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ⅓ cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated havarti cheese
  • ¾ cup grated pecoreno romano
  • ½ head cauliflower - cut into small flourets
  • 2 cups medium pasta shells
  • 2 cups medium whole wheat pasta shells

Instructions

  • Whisk the eggs, cream, milk, cayenne, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl. Toss the 1 cup cheddar, ½ cup havarti dill, and ½ cup pecoreno romano in a separate bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. add the cauliflower and cook until almost falling apart, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the pasta to the same water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup cooking water. Preheat broiler.
  • Combine the egg mixture and the grated cheeses in the empty pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese melt and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and add the cauliflower. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and light (you could also use a regular blender). Stir in some of the reserved pasta water until creamy.
  • Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish and top with ⅓ cheddar and ¼ pecorino romano. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Notes

Food Network Magazine Oct 2009

Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.

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Lightened Up Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese  PassTheSushi.com

 

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  1. Kiri W. says

    November 16, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Looks delicious! And I love that you lightened it up, I'm trying to watch what I eat but love mac'n cheese!

    Reply
  2. Laurie {Simply Scratch} says

    November 16, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Loooooks soooooooo gooooood! Totally want this right now! I love that you used cauliflower... you sooooo smart! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Chris @ TheKeenanCookBook says

    November 16, 2011 at 10:06 am

    A contender for Thanksgiving side dish! My sister is a picky eater so I always make her mac and cheese on Thanksgiving. If I don't tell her there is cauliflower, I bet she wont know! *evil grin*

    Reply
  4. mjskit says

    November 16, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Looks like you did a good job lightening up Mac & Cheese! I love the use of the ww noodles and the selection of cheeses! Looks fabulous!

    Reply
  5. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    November 16, 2011 at 10:52 am

    I'm in love with the idea of adding leftover taco meat to the mac n cheese!

    Reply
  6. Erin says

    November 16, 2011 at 10:56 am

    Haha yea the whole wheat pasta and cauliflower seem to be the only lightened parts, but no complaints here! I have to admit I have only had mac and cheese once at Thanksgiving - and now I feel as though I have been deprived!

    Reply
  7. Belinda @zomppa says

    November 16, 2011 at 11:20 am

    You just have to do what you enjoy. What a great dish...for any time of year.

    Reply
  8. Jessica | Oh Cake says

    November 16, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Sounds really yummy! I love roasted cauliflower as well and mac n' cheese - well - always a winner!

    Reply
  9. Liz @ Southern Charm says

    November 16, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    You had me at mac and cheese!! Love the bow ties too 🙂

    Reply
  10. Kimber says

    November 16, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    I love Mac and Cheese ... and the fact that this is lightened up but keeping the full flavor is like music to my ears! This dish just may have to grace my table this Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  11. jennifurla says

    November 16, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    Looks wonderful and I love the pasta choice.

    Reply
  12. Peggy says

    November 16, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Umm... you don't like Pumpkin Pie? I don't think we can be friends anymore.

    I kid, I kid.

    This mac sounds mighty tasty, and I like the sneaky addition of the cauliflower!

    Reply
  13. Cassie says

    November 16, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Kita, this sounds perfect and looks even better. I adore cheese in all its forms!

    Reply
  14. Lacy says

    November 16, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Yum, oh man this looks so good! I love the cauliflower in it, haven't had cauliflower in so long. Now I'm having a serious craving!

    Reply
  15. BigFatBaker says

    November 16, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Yum!! Love the cauliflower usage... I have been not cooking very healthy things lately but this sounds like a great way to lighten up a classic!

    Reply
  16. Steph@stephsbitebybite says

    November 16, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    You know that since it's "lightened up" that means I can eat more of this right?! Like...the whole pan! YAY!!

    Reply
  17. Emily @ Life on Food says

    November 16, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    I completely agree...regardless of what other ingredients are included the addition of cauliflower lightens this up. Looks yummy!

    Reply
  18. Ann says

    November 16, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    This sounds absolutely amazing! I agree - it does have a lot of fat in it, but comparatively speaking....it's a winner! Buzzed!

    Reply
  19. Kim Bee says

    November 16, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    Looks incredible. My kids and hub would go crazy for this one.

    Reply
  20. Lindsey@Lindselicious says

    November 17, 2011 at 12:34 am

    Yes please to lightened up Mac and Cheese. I am bookmarking to try this, especially with all the holiday goodies coming around the corner. =)

    Reply
  21. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    November 17, 2011 at 2:09 am

    There is 1/2 head of cauliflower in it? It doesn't look like it. I love cauliflowers so this recipe really excites me. I had never thought of adding cauliflowers, so I'm going to totally include it next time!

    Reply
  22. Jill @ MadAboutMacarons says

    November 17, 2011 at 8:36 am

    Love the addition of cauli and the cheeses sound wonderful - haven't heard of havarti so must look this one out. Great comforting, cheesy dish!

    Reply
  23. RavieNomNoms says

    November 17, 2011 at 9:18 am

    This looks amazing...and I am not down with pumpkin pie either. I have never enjoyed it. However, I think I would take an extra helping of this to fill my belly for the missing out on pie : )

    Reply
  24. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

    November 17, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Absolutely perfect comfort food! LOVE

    Reply
  25. Rodzilla says

    November 18, 2011 at 5:38 am

    I don't see where Food Network got the idea that it was "llight", but I also don't mind 😀 it looks delicious.

    Reply
  26. Liz says

    November 18, 2011 at 6:23 am

    Mouthwatering dish, Kita...just amazing!!!

    Reply
  27. Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says

    November 18, 2011 at 9:23 am

    This looks amazing. What a way to sneak in a vegetable in to the BEST dish ever invented, mac and cheese.

    Reply
  28. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) says

    November 18, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    This looks absolutely delicious. I don't see how it's "light" but I'm down with it!!

    Reply
  29. Priscilla - She's Cookin' says

    November 20, 2011 at 12:13 am

    Adding cauliflower to mac & cheese to lighten it up - I like it! More nutritious, too - but we'll never tell 🙂 Looks deliciously creamy & cheesy!

    Reply
  30. Amanda says

    November 20, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Awesome recipe! What a great addition to a classic favourite! If you like cauliflowers, please check out my recipe for curried cauliflower and apple mash... https://bit.ly/curriedcauliflowerappmash

    Thanks!

    Reply
  31. jean @ lemons and anchovies says

    November 21, 2011 at 10:07 am

    The cauliflower disappears in all that creamy, cheesy goodness. The best of both worlds, in my opinion. I would eat this any time of day.

    Reply
  32. sandie odom says

    April 19, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Anyone have the calorie count for a portion of this? It sounds amazing, but not terribly healthy.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Kita! The mountain biking, travel junkie, professional freelance photographer, and creator behind the scenes.

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