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OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

Lighter on sodium but not on taste! This mac and cheese is perfect for those watching their salt intake. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas.

13 Ingredients
Creamy Low-Sodium Mac and Cheese
Creamy Low-Sodium Mac and Cheese cover
From the Cook
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Creamy Low-Sodium Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Servings
0 allergens identified

Instructions

1
|
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2
|
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
3
|
Using a cheese grater or food processor fitted with a grating attachment, grate the Cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Set aside.
4
|
Cut the cream cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
5
|
Add the elbow macaroni to the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6
|
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7
|
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
8
|
Once melted, add the flour. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Continue whisking until the roux turns slightly golden and begins to smell toasty, 1-2 minutes.
9
|
Slowly stream the milk into the pot while continuing to whisk. Cook the mixture, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, 4-5 minutes.
10
|
Once bubbling, turn off the heat. Add the mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
11
|
Add the cheeses to the pot one handful at a time, whisking slowly after each addition.
12
|
Once the sauce is smooth, add the drained pasta noodles to the pot. Stir until combined.
13
|
Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
14
|
Place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them to the consistency of coarse sand using a rolling pin. Transfer the cracker crumbs to a large bowl.
15
|
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
16
|
Sprinkle the cracker crumbs in an even layer over the pasta.
17
|
Bake the mac and cheese on middle rack of oven until bubbling at the edges and the cracker crumbs are slightly browned, 25-28 minutes.
18
|
Check to see that mac and cheese is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
19
|
Allow macaroni and cheese to rest 15-20 minutes before serving.

Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
    Remove the cheese sauce from heat before fully melting to prevent grainy texture and ensure a silky smooth consistency.
  • Cracker Coating Technique 🥣
    Crush the reduced sodium crackers into fine, uniform crumbs for an even, crispy topping that provides maximum crunch and flavor distribution.
  • Low-Sodium Flavor Boosting 🌶️
    Use mustard powder and black pepper to add depth and complexity to the dish without increasing sodium content.
  • Pasta Water Precision 💧
    Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping to create a perfectly creamy mac and cheese.
  • Cheese Blend Balancing 🧈
    Combine sharp cheddar and swiss cheeses to create a rich, nuanced flavor profile that compensates for the reduced sodium.

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