9 Healthier Mac and Cheese Recipes (That Still Taste Great)

Is there anything better than creamy, dreamy mac and cheese? When we think of “comfort food,” it’s the first image that pops up. And it’s surprisingly easy to make your favorite dish just a little more healthful. By sneaking in some vegetables or amping up the protein with alternative pasta, you can have a more nutrient-dense meal without sacrificing flavor or richness. Here are nine crave-worthy healthier mac and cheese recipes.

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1. Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Bookmark this Instant Pot recipe when you need mac and cheese in a hurry; it only takes four minutes to make after the pot comes to pressure. The healthy twist? Grated cauliflower. Start with a bag of cauliflower rice to make this dish even easier.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

2. Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash adds an orange hue as well as nutrients and a touch of sweetness to the “cheese” sauce in this dish, which  also has cashews, nutritional yeast, and Dijon mustard. You could microwave the squash, but taking the time to roast it will get you better flavor.

Try this recipe from Choosing Chia.

3. Roasted Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese

The easiest way to make macaroni and cheese a little more healthful is by adding some vegetables. This recipe calls for adding a sheet pan of roasted peppers, squash, broccoli, and mushrooms, giving the dish lots of color and texture as well as lots of nutrients. You also lighten up the sauce by using evaporated 2% milk instead of heavy cream.

Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

4. Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

For low-carb eaters, a good swap for noodles is a no-brainer: spaghetti squash. It’s easier to prepare than you think: Roast the squash, cut it open, and scrape out the “noodles” with a fork. Add it to a simple cheese sauce, bake, and dig in.

Try this recipe from Skinnytaste.

5. Protein Baked Mac and Cheese

This recipe amps up the protein by including chickpea pasta and Greek yogurt, giving it 25 grams per serving, along with 6 grams of fiber. It has lots of cheddar mixed in and a crunchy panko topping — we bet kids will go for it, too.

Try this recipe from Lemons & Zest.

6. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Tuscan-inspired recipe includes paprika-spiced chicken, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, for a one-pot meal everyone will love. It’s loaded with flavor (hello, 6 cloves of garlic) and each serving has 33 grams of filling protein.

Try this recipe from Cafe Delites.

7. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Combining two favorite comfort foods, mac and cheese and buffalo chicken, makes this dish perfect to serve on game day — no need to tell anyone it’s actually healthy. Each serve has 28 grams of protein, and whole-grain pasta means it’s a good source of fiber, too.

Try this recipe from Healthy Fitness Meals.

8. Dairy Free Green Mac and Cheese

With cauliflower, potatoes, onion, and spinach, this mac and cheese packs in plenty of nutrients along with the comforting pasta. Plus, it’s so simple to make — toss all of the ingredients into a blender, pour over the noodles, and dig in.

Try this recipe from Veggies Don’t Bite.

9. Vegan Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese

Broiled eggplant gives the sauce on this plant-based mac its smoky flavor, while nutritional yeast makes it cheesy. Caramelized onions and a crunchy breadcrumb topping give it even more texture and flavor. Plus, onions can help fight inflammation.

Try this recipe from Minimalist Baker.

Read next: 6 Low-Carb Casseroles Perfect for Cozy Meals