Craving comfort foods, but don’t want to chomp into calorie bombs? Check out these recipes for comfort-food meal makeovers that’ll help you indulge and feel good. Enjoy biscuits and gravy, mac and cheese, jambalaya, falafel and much more, all under 400 calories per serving!
1. Biscuits & Sausage Gravy| Clean Eating
Nothing quite hits the spot like biscuits and gravy, but you don’t have to exceed your daily calorie goal to enjoy it. This recipe for homemade biscuits and gravy uses yellow cornmeal and whole-wheat flour for the biscuits and lean ground turkey breast for the savory sauce. You can pair with a sunny-side egg for more calories, fat and protein. Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 biscuit + 1/2 cup gravy each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 331; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 68mg; Sodium: 512mg; Total Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 17g
2. Skinny Baked Broccoli Mac & Cheese| Skinnytaste
Now the ultimate comfort food side can be your main entrée with this healthier spin on traditional mac and cheese. Each satisfying portion is loaded with broccoli florets, whole-wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can savor the taste and still get your veggies in to boot! Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 322; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 28mg; Sodium: 381mg; Total Carbohydrate: 43g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 20g
3. Baked Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Sauce | Clean Eating
Classically reinvented buffalo chicken tenders uses lean chicken breast in place of chicken wings without compromising the crunch factor. How? Chicken is breaded in corn flakes. It’s also served with a creamy Greek yogurt blue cheese sauce. Recipe makes 8 servings at 3 buffalo chicken tenders + 2 tablespoons dip.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 162; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 55mg; Sodium: 236mg; Total Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 24g
4. Baked Falafel Lettuce Wraps | The Wheatless Kitchen
Baked falafel is a crispy way to get your lean protein and fiber. These delicious falafel are made by baking ground chickpeas for a healthy alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Serve them up with tangy lemon-dill yogurt sauce, and watch them disappear. Recipe makes 6 servings at 3 falafel + 1 tablespoon yogurt sauce + 3 lettuce leaves + 1/2 tomato + 1/2 avocado.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 285; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 3mg; Sodium: 331mg; Carbohydrate: 34g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 9g
5. Slow Cooker Stroganoff | Clean Eating
Classic beef Stroganoff is made by simmering strips of beef in a stew, and swirling in velvety sour cream. This slow-cooker version has all of the flavor with less fuss. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 302; Total Fat: 18g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 91mg; Sodium: 305mg; Total Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 26g
6. Skinny Chicken Parmesan| Skinnytaste
Want to indulge in chicken parmesan while still skimping on the calories and fat? Yes, please! This take on chicken parm is crispy baked chicken breast smothered with a layer of marinara sauce and sprinkled with mozzarella cheese. Oh, and butter is still involved where it really counts. Get started on this kid-friendly dish your whole family will love. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1/2 chicken breast each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 163; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 27mg; Sodium: 751mg; Total Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 11g
7. Healthy Shrimp Jambalaya | Food Fanatic
Sit down to a helpin’ of rich and bold flavors with this jambalaya that’s made with hearty farro and succulent shrimp. Each serving of jambalaya gets you a nutritionally complete meal with whole grains, veggies and lean protein. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 297; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 110mg; Sodium: 381mg; Carbohydrate: 37g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 21g
8. BLT Salad with Avocado | Skinnytaste
If you’re a fan of the classic BLT sandwich, check out this BLT salad with avocado. Creamy, mayonnaise-marinated tomatoes, romaine lettuce and diced avocados are topped with pieces of lean bacon. If you’re missing the bun, you can add it back in the form of crunchy croutons, or serve a slice of your favorite crusty bread on the side. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 204; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 28mg; Sodium: 361mg; Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 10g
9. Healthier Fettuccine Alfredo | Julia’s Album
Make healthier fettuccine alfredo by dressing it up with plenty of peas and cauliflower. This recipe still keeps the creamy parmesan-based sauce, but use half and half instead of heavy cream if you’re looking to trim even more fat and calories. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 391; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 25mg; Sodium: 360mg; Total Carbohydrate: 64g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugars: 5g; Protein: 15g
10. Oatmeal Pancakes| Cooking Light
Here’s an interesting and healthy way to revamp pancakes for your morning meal: add oatmeal. Each stack of 4 pancakes is under 300 calories and provides you with 9 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Recipe makes 3 servings at 4 pancakes each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 263; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 85mg; Sodium: 492mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 10g