Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a popular comfort food that can be made in a variety of ways to suit different dietary preferences and restrictions. For those following the Weight Watchers program, it is possible to make a low-point macaroni and cheese that is both satisfying and aligns with their weight loss goals. The number of Weight Watchers points in a serving of homemade macaroni and cheese will depend on the specific ingredients used and the quantities consumed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight Watchers points per serving | 4 2025 Plan Points |
| 7 Blue Plan Points | |
| 7 Green Plan Points | |
| 6 Purple Plan Points | |
| Weight Watchers points per recipe | 29 |
| Cheese type | Fat-free cheddar, mozzarella, reduced-fat Velveeta, or any mixture of fat-free cheese |
| Pasta type | Whole-grain macaroni, penne, shells, or whole wheat pasta |
| Seasonings | Paprika, cayenne, dried mustard powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, onion powder |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, corn, carrots |
| Other ingredients | Greek yogurt, milk, butter, breadcrumbs |
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What You'll Learn
Weight Watchers Mac and Cheese recipe
This Weight Watchers Mac and Cheese recipe is a quick, stovetop version of mac and cheese. It is a satisfying side dish for most proteins and is a hearty vegetarian main course when served with a mixed green salad. This recipe can be made in just 20 minutes and is a family favourite.
Ingredients
- Whole-grain macaroni
- Water
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cream cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Paprika or cayenne (optional)
- Mustard powder (optional)
- Salt
Method
- Put the whole-grain macaroni in a large pot and cover it with 2 ½ cups of water.
- Boil the noodles on high for 1-2 minutes less than what the package directions suggest. Stir occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom.
- Turn the heat to low and add half of the milk.
- Stir the milk and noodles to combine.
- Add the cheeses, Greek yogurt, and seasonings to the pot and stir until combined.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips
- You can make one pot mac and cheese with broccoli or cauliflower. First cook the vegetables separately on the side and then add them after the cheese sauce comes together. Other veggie ideas are diced bell peppers, onions, corn, or carrots.
- For pronounced spiciness, add red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper to the white sauce with the salt and onion powder in Step 2 to boost the heat level.
- This recipe yields 8, 1-cup servings. Each 1-cup serving is 6 WW Personal Points™.
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Points calculation
The points calculation for homemade macaroni and cheese on Weight Watchers will depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used. The program's SmartPoints system is designed to encourage healthier food choices, so lower-calorie, lower-fat, and higher-protein options will result in fewer points. Here is a breakdown of how to calculate points for homemade macaroni and cheese:
Pasta
Pasta is typically starchy and contains natural sugars, which can make it high in points. Using whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta can help keep the points lower, as these options are lower in calories and higher in fibre, keeping you fuller for longer. You can also consider using alternative pasta shapes like penne, shells, or zucchini noodles.
Cheese
Cheese is a high-points ingredient due to its saturated fat content. To reduce points, opt for low-fat or fat-free cheese options. Common choices for Weight Watchers-friendly mac and cheese include reduced-fat cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Velveeta. You can also add Greek yogurt to create a protein-packed cheese sauce without impacting the flavour.
Milk
Milk is often used in macaroni and cheese recipes to create a creamy texture. Skim milk is not ideal for this dish, but 2% reduced-fat milk can improve the texture without adding too many points.
Additional Ingredients
Adding vegetables to your macaroni and cheese can increase its volume without significantly increasing points. Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, corn, and carrots are all tasty options. You can also include seasonings like paprika, cayenne, dried mustard powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and onion powder to enhance the flavour without adding points.
Serving Size
The serving size will also impact the points calculation. A typical serving size for macaroni and cheese is 1 cup, but you can reduce the points per serving by making a larger batch or limiting your portion size.
Final Points Calculation
To get the most accurate point count for your homemade macaroni and cheese, you can input the recipe into the WW app's recipe builder. The app will take into account the specific ingredients and quantities used, providing you with a personalised points value.
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Ingredients
The ingredients used in a homemade macaroni and cheese recipe will depend on the chef's preferences, but here are some common ingredients and variations to consider:
Pasta
Whole-grain or whole-wheat elbow macaroni is a popular choice for a healthier option. However, other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or even zucchini noodles can be used if you want to reduce the number of calories and points. It is recommended to cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually by boiling it in water until al dente.
Cheese
The type of cheese used is crucial and can impact the taste, texture, and point value of the dish. For a classic mac and cheese, a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese or Velveeta can be used. Reduced-fat or fat-free options are available for a lighter version. Some recipes also include Greek yogurt to add protein and creaminess without affecting the taste.
Milk
Milk is an essential ingredient to create a creamy sauce. 2% reduced-fat milk is recommended over skim milk for a better texture. It is added to the cooked pasta and heated gently to create a cohesive dish.
Seasonings and Vegetables
Seasonings like salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne, dried mustard powder, and onion powder can enhance the flavour of the dish. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, corn, or carrots can also be added to boost nutrition and create a heartier meal. These vegetables are usually cooked separately and added after the cheese sauce is prepared.
Breadcrumbs and Toppings
Breadcrumbs can be added on top of the macaroni and cheese for a crunchy texture. Additionally, extra shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, or green onions can be used as toppings, but these may add extra points to the overall dish.
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Cooking methods
There are several methods for making homemade macaroni and cheese that is Weight Watchers-friendly. The stovetop method is one of the most popular, involving cooking the pasta according to the package directions in a pot of salted water. The pasta is then drained and returned to the pot, where milk, cheese soup, and water are added and stirred until thickened and creamy. This method typically yields a serving size of 1 cup, with 4 to 6 Weight Watchers points per serving.
Another option is to use a pressure cooker, such as the Pressure Cooker XL, which involves adding olive oil to the cooker, followed by the pasta, milk, cheese soup, and water. This method also includes a rice risotto setting that helps to achieve the desired consistency.
For those who prefer a baked version, there is an oven-baked recipe that involves making a cheese sauce by melting margarine and adding flour, salt, mustard, and milk. The macaroni is cooked separately according to the package directions and then tossed with the sauce and baked in the oven. This particular recipe serves 10 and has 10 WW points per serving.
Some recipes call for a roux to be made as the base for the cheese sauce. This involves cooking butter and flour together before slowly adding milk and other seasonings. This method can be used for stovetop or baked macaroni and cheese.
The choice of cheese is also important, with options including sharp cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Velveeta. Using low-fat or reduced-fat cheese and milk can help reduce the point value of the dish. Additionally, seasonings such as red pepper flakes, black pepper, and onion powder can be added to enhance the flavour.
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Storage
Storing homemade macaroni and cheese depends on whether it has been cooked or not. If you have prepped the mac and cheese but not yet cooked it, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to cook it, bake it for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
If your macaroni and cheese has already been cooked, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When reheating, individual portions can be heated in the microwave, or larger portions can be covered in foil and baked in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk to the macaroni and cheese, as the sauce will thicken when cooled.
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Frequently asked questions
Per serving, there are 6 WW Personal Points™.
The entire recipe is worth 29 WW points.
The recipe makes 8 servings of 1 cup each.
You can reduce points by limiting pasta to 1 cup, using zucchini noodles, low-fat cheese, and less butter.
You can use any mixture of fat-free cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese are popular options.
