Light & Savory Cheesy Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups: Your Perfect Low-Point Comfort Food
There’s something universally comforting about a classic dish of macaroni and cheese. Rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying, it’s a staple for many. Today, discovering it was National Mac and Cheese Day, I couldn’t resist joining the celebration! While traditional mac and cheese can often be a high-point indulgence, I’ve crafted a delightful, lightened-up version that allows you to enjoy all that cheesy goodness without the guilt. These delicious, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy macaroni cups are a game-changer, coming in at only 4 PP or SP each! For those who find whole wheat pasta to be a 0PP food, you can further reduce the points, making these an even healthier option.
This recipe transforms a beloved classic into convenient, portion-controlled bites, perfect for quick lunches, party appetizers, or a satisfying side dish. By making smart ingredient swaps, we achieve the same incredible flavor and texture you crave, but with significantly fewer calories and points. Get ready to fall in love with a healthier take on your favorite comfort food!
Why Mac and Cheese Cups Are a Game-Changer
Transforming mac and cheese into individual cups isn’t just a fun presentation trick; it offers several practical benefits. Firstly, portion control is key when you’re mindful of your intake. Each cup is perfectly measured, helping you stick to your goals without feeling deprived. Secondly, they are incredibly convenient. Easy to grab from the fridge, pack in a lunchbox, or serve at a gathering, these cups are wonderfully portable. Kids love them, and adults appreciate the neat, individual servings. They’re also fantastic for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious, healthy option ready to go throughout the week. No more scooping out too much or guessing serving sizes – just pure, cheesy delight in a perfectly sized package.
The Secret to Lighter, Yet Luscious Mac and Cheese
The magic behind these low-point mac and cheese cups lies in thoughtful ingredient selection without compromising on flavor or creaminess. Traditional mac and cheese often relies on heavy creams, butter, and full-fat cheeses, which quickly add up in calories and points. Our recipe achieves that desired rich, gooey texture using lighter alternatives:
- **High-Fiber Pasta:** Starting with a high-fiber macaroni pasta is a simple yet effective way to boost fiber content and potentially lower points, depending on your dietary program. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which is a huge plus.
- **Light Cream Cheese & Plain Yogurt:** These are the unsung heroes of our creamy sauce. Softened light cream cheese melts beautifully, contributing to a smooth, velvety consistency, while plain yogurt adds a subtle tang and an incredible richness without the fat of heavy cream. Together, they create a decadent base that rivals traditional sauces.
- **Low-Fat Milk:** We use 1% milk to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency, ensuring it coats every macaroni noodle without adding unnecessary calories.
- **Light Mozzarella Cheese:** While you might think lighter cheese means less flavor, light mozzarella melts wonderfully and provides that essential cheesy pull, keeping the overall points down while delivering on taste.
- **Low-Point Bacon:** The addition of crisp, savory bacon bits elevates these cups to another level. Opting for a low-point variety, like Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon, allows you to enjoy that smoky, salty crunch without a hefty caloric price tag. Bacon adds a depth of flavor that makes these cups truly irresistible.
- **Light Ranch Dressing:** A unique twist, light ranch dressing adds a distinctive, zesty flavor that complements the cheese and bacon beautifully, enhancing the overall profile and adding another layer of creaminess.
By carefully selecting these ingredients, we create a mac and cheese that is not only healthier but also incredibly satisfying, proving that comfort food can indeed be guilt-free.
Cheesy Bacon Mac & Cheese Cups
Drizzle
12
20 minutes
20 minutes
40 minutes
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Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta, measured dry, so about 4 cups cooked. I use a high fiber pasta that keeps points down a little.
- 4 slices cooked low point bacon, I use Oscar Mayer center cut
- 1 egg
- 4 oz softened light cream cheese
- 100 g plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup milk, I used 1%
- 2/3 cup light mozzarella shredded cheese
- 2 Tbsp light ranch dressing
- 1 Tbsp panko crumbs
Instructions
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Cook your macaroni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. In a separate pan, cook your low-point bacon slices until crispy, then crumble them into small bits. Set aside.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until light and frothy. Add the softened light cream cheese, plain yogurt, milk, light ranch dressing, and 2/3 cup of shredded light mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Remember to reserve about 1-2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese for topping.
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Gently stir the cooked macaroni pasta into the cheese mixture until all the noodles are evenly coated. Fold in 2/3 of your crumbled bacon. Mix well. Carefully spoon the macaroni mixture into each of the 12 prepared muffin cups, stuffing them as much as possible to create full, satisfying cups.
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Evenly sprinkle the panko crumbs over the tops of the filled muffin cups. Then, distribute the remaining reserved shredded cheese and bacon bits over the panko for a delicious, crispy, and cheesy topping.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly. Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the cups cool for 5-10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial as it allows them to set and makes them easier to remove. Using a small knife, carefully slide it around the edges of each muffin cup to loosen before gently lifting them out. This recipe makes 12 delicious mac and cheese muffins, each counting as 4 PP or SP. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
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Nutritional information per cup: Calories 117, Fat 4.6g, Saturated Fat 2.2g, Carbs 12.8g, Fiber 1.4g, Sugars 1.8g, Protein 6.3g.
Additional Info
Main meals
Serving Suggestions for Your Mac and Cheese Cups
These cheesy bacon mac and cheese cups are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Serve them as a fun and satisfying appetizer at your next gathering, where they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They also make an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, lean pork chops, or a juicy turkey burger. For a complete and balanced meal, pair them with a fresh, crisp green salad or a bowl of light tomato soup. Their compact size makes them ideal for packing into lunchboxes for both kids and adults, providing a comforting and flavorful mid-day meal. Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, or reheated for a quick and easy snack.
Customization Ideas: Make Them Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:
- **Add Vegetables:** Finely diced steamed broccoli florets, chopped spinach, or even a handful of frozen peas can be stirred into the macaroni mixture before baking. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.
- **Spice It Up:** A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor. For a smoky kick, try a tiny bit of smoked paprika.
- **Different Cheeses:** While light mozzarella is essential for the low points, you could add a tablespoon of sharp cheddar cheese powder for a more pronounced cheddar flavor, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a salty, umami finish.
- **Other Proteins:** If bacon isn’t your preference, or you want to try something new, consider adding finely diced cooked ham, shredded cooked chicken, or even some lean ground turkey that’s been seasoned and browned.
- **Breadcrumb Alternatives:** Instead of panko, you could use crushed whole-wheat crackers for a different texture, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor boost without extra dairy.
These simple modifications can transform your mac and cheese cups, allowing you to enjoy a slightly different version each time you make them.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These mac and cheese cups are fantastic for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the cooled cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheating is simple:
- **From the Refrigerator:** Microwave for 30-60 seconds per cup, or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
- **From the Freezer:** You can reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. For microwave reheating from frozen, start with 1-2 minutes per cup and add time as needed.
The convenient individual portions mean you can grab just one or two at a time, making healthy eating easier than ever.
Enjoy Your Guilt-Free Mac & Cheese!
These cheesy bacon mac & cheese cups are truly a celebration of comfort food that aligns with a healthy lifestyle. They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy your favorite dishes. With their creamy texture, savory bacon, and cheesy goodness, all in perfectly portioned cups, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Whether for a special occasion like National Mac and Cheese Day or just a regular weeknight meal, these cups are sure to bring joy to your table without weighing you down. Give them a try and savor every delicious bite!