If you're trying to eat healthier but you just can't bring yourself to give up your cheesy favorites, you're in luck. These better-for-you cheese recipes won't wreck your diet, while giving you all that gooey, creamy, cheesy goodness you just can't quit.
35 Light-ish Recipes That Don’t Skimp on Cheese
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
1/35
Chili Mac
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chili mac has regularly appeared on my family menus for more than 40 years, and it's never failed to please at potlucks and bring-a-dish gatherings. Sometimes I turn it into soup by adding a can of beef broth. —Marie Posavec, Berwyn, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 348 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 713mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 12g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
2/35
Feta ‘n’ Chive Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a spring variation on the savory muffins my husband has made for years. It has a light texture almost like a popover and tastes best eaten hot right from the oven. —Angela Buchanan, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 105 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/35
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It's also a great way to sneak in some veggies for children. —Megan Schwartz, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 422 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein.
4/35
Parmesan Pork Medallions
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's one of the best pork medallion recipes I've found. With my own special tweaks, I have served this tender pork countless times for family and friends. It takes very little prep time and adapts easily to serve any number. —Angela Ciocca, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 220 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
5/35
Corn and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save room in the oven by making this savory side in your slow cooker. It is a standby in my house. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to create a hearty main course. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
6/35
Spinach, Shrimp and Ricotta Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/35
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
8/35
Taco Stuffed Shells
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
9/35
Southwest Vegetarian Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
10/35
Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli Enchiladas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 246 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
11/35
Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 290 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
12/35
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If mashed potatoes are a must at your family Thanksgiving, then why not go all out with the works? I love garlic, onions and bacon, and this dish has all three! —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
13/35
One-Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
14/35
Chili Tortilla Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 28g protein.
15/35
Ravioli Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you taste this dish, you’ll think it’s a from-scratch recipe—but it starts with frozen ravioli! —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 401 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
16/35
Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
17/35
Feta Shrimp Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 240 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/35
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 359 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
19/35
Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 206 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
20/35
Frittata Florentine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
21/35
Sausage Pizza Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's pizza in a bowl! Here's a terrific (and tasty) way to make sure your kids get the whole grains and vegetables they need to grow up big and strong. —Danna Holt, Shoals, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 358 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
22/35
Spinach Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven't made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 291 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
23/35
Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese Tortillas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 85 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
24/35
Open-Face Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love chicken Parmesan and thought, "Why not make it a burger?" I like to use fresh mozzarella on these. I've also made the patties with ground turkey. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 381 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
25/35
Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first meal I ever cooked for my husband and all these years later, he still enjoys every bite. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
26/35
Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without optional topping): 343 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
27/35
Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These mushrooms are rich and creamy and bright at the same time because of the fresh herbs and tomato. I especially like to serve them with grilled asparagus. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 201 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
28/35
Pork Chops with Blue Cheese Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes a sauce is just a sauce, but with these tender chops, it really makes the dish. If you like a little spice, mix a pinch of nutmeg with the black pepper before you sprinkle it on the meat. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 263 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/35
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
30/35
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheeseburger macaroni is the ultimate simple and fulfilling dinner that uses items I typically have in my cupboard. It's so easy to prepare and cooking all in one skillet makes it a snap for clean up. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 338 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/35
Healthy Cincinnati-Style Chili
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had this type of chili when visiting a friend in Ohio and was thrilled when I made it at home. Serving it with spaghetti, cheese, onions and beans makes it what Cincinnatians call five-way. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 388 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 37g protein.
32/35
Shrimp Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter how you toss 'em, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 413 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
33/35
Baked Ziti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6-8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes, I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
34/35
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way.
—Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
35/35
Butternut & Portobello Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 252 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
