Dinner

Baked Mac n’ Cheese has been a favorite of mine since childhood, but this particular recipe is the creation of my mother-in-law.  In fact, it is something that my Beau has been telling me about for years now.  So, this year for his birthday, I finally indulged and bought the ingredients to make this dish just for him.

Baked Mac n’ Cheese with Hot Dogs & Tomatoes

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You see, when my Beau was a kid, this baked mac n’ cheese was a regular Sunday night meal that his mom made.  It was one of those things that he didn’t realize came out of having a small budget for food.  He thought it was a special meal, but his mom told him it was one of the cheapest things she could make to feed the family.  While it isn’t my favorite meal, it is, in fact, that one comfort food my Beau absolutely loves.  So, last month, I made a batch for his birthday.  The look on his face was priceless.  He was grinning from ear to ear.  Totally worth it in my book!

This is one of those recipes that is definitely semi-homemade.  While not my typical recipe to share here, I just can’t resist sharing since it made my Beau, and the Wee Child, so happy.  It uses boxed macaroni and cheese, and while he grew up using the classic Kraft version, we used Annie’s Organic macaroni and cheese.  If I can make it just a bit healthier, I am definitely going to do so.  You can use any hot dog or sausage you prefer.  I use Applewood Beef Hot Dogs.

I prep my 9×13″ casserole dish with just a little non-stick spray ahead of time.  While I want the macaroni to dry out just a bit, I don’t want it to burn.  I then prepare the macaroni and cheese according to box directions.  You can heat the hot dogs up before you mix them in, or simply slice and toss in as you pour into the casserole dish later.  They will heat through in the oven.

Don’t be afraid to be generous with the tomato slices on top.  One key step, though, is to make sure before you sprinkle with Parmesan, you sprinkle salt and pepper on the tomatoes.  This makes a big difference in flavor and just makes those tomatoes pop.  As you cook this baked mac n’ cheese, make sure you are watching the top so it doesn’t burn.  You want it just nicely browned, and the tops beginning to dry out a bit and create some crisp on the Parmesan and the top layer of pasta.

Baked Mac n' Cheese with Hot Dogs & Tomatoes

 

Print

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

40 mins

 

Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 3 boxes macaroni and cheese
• 1 large tomato sliced thinly
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
3. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to box directions. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add sliced hot dogs to macaroni & cheese and stir to mix well.
5. Pour macaroni and cheese into the casserole dish and spread evenly.
6. Top evenly with sliced tomatoes.
7. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper.
8. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake at 375 degrees for 17-20 minutes or until browned and bubbly.

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You May Also Like: 8 Healthy Fat-Free and Low-Fat Pimento Cheese Recipes

More easy recipes:

• Penne Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic & Red Peppers
• Easy Chicken & Spinach Pasta
• Not Your Mama’s Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

An air fryer is a new appliance in our kitchen, so testing it out with some fun recipes like these Honey Mustard Pork Chops for the guys has been a must.  I love easy recipes, and the air fryer makes things fast and delicious.  Center cut pork chops are on sale a lot these days, so this is also an affordable option.

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

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We’ve been using an air fryer a lot and learning how to make it work well for our family.  It’s excellent for making crispy items without all of the added oil, so that is always going to be a hit for this Southern gal transplanted to Michigan. The GoWise Air Fryer is popular because it is affordable and works well.  I have a smaller VonChef Air Fryer since I don’t make large portions, but definitely, recommend a larger option if you can afford it for use on a regular basis.

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Pork Chops

1 pound boneless center cut pork chops

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon steak seasoning blend

Directions for Honey Mustard Pork Chops

In a small bowl, mix together mustard, honey, and steak seasoning.

Brush mustard mixture over both sides of pork chops.

Place pork chops in even layer on the bottom of air fryer basket.

Set to 350 degrees and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cook time if desired.

Test for an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees with a meat thermometer (as recommended by FDA)

Read Related Topic: Weight Watchers Air Fryer Recipes

Makes 4 servings

5 SmartPoints per serving on FreeStyle, Flex, and Beyond the Scale Plans

4 PointsPlus per serving

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

 

Print

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

12 mins

Total time

17 mins

 

Makes 4 servings 5 SmartPoints per serving on FreeStyle, Flex, and Beyond the Scale Plans 4 PointsPlus per serving

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless center cut pork chops
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning blend

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, honey, and steak seasoning.
2. Brush mustard mixture over both sides of pork chops.
3. Place pork chops in even layer on the bottom of air fryer basket.
4. Set to 350 degrees and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cook time if desired.
5. Test for an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees with a meat thermometer

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Make these honey mustard pork chops and serve alongside your favorite vegetables, rice, potatoes, or even riced vegetables for a great low point meal on Weight Watchers. It’s kid-friendly, easy, and affordable.  That makes it a big hit for busy moms. Using the air fryer cuts out the oils and fats, and the homemade honey mustard makes sure you have the flavor you want without tons of extra calories!

If you are new to Weight Watchers, check out our tips on the Weight Watchers FreeStyle and Flex Plan Updates, as well as making sure you check out our One Week FreeStyle Weight Watchers Menu Plan and Vegan FreeStyle Weight Watchers One Week Menu Plan for more meal planning ideas.

If you are looking for more great recipes, don’t forget to join our Weight Watchers Support Group on Facebook!

More Pork Recipes: 

• Grilled Pork Chops with Cinnamon Peach Marinade
• Balsamic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
• Orange Sugar Spiral Ham Recipe
• 25 Delicious Ham Recipes

Who doesn’t love a good salmon recipe? Salmon is easy to cook, and a great source of omega 3. I always have some ready to go in the freezer. 

This classic fish can be made in many ways for any time of day. Different salmon can have different fat contents, so that is something to keep an eye on. 

Your salmon meal can be a part of a colorful plate or eaten as a stand-alone with a squeeze of lemon. However you have enjoyed your salmon before, below are some quick and simple recipes that will not eat into your points, while you fill up on their goodness!  

Related Reading: Weight Watchers Chicken Marsala

Asian Sheet Pan Salmon

Calories: 180

Points: 0 smart points

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs frozen salmon fillets 680 g
• 4 tbsp gluten-free soya sauce
• 4 tbsp fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp fresh cilantro * you can substitute dried but it’s not nearly as good!
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. First thing’s first, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. You will have a lined baking tray, place the salmon on a baking sheet.
3. Pour the soy sauce directly onto the salmon, divided equally per piece.
4. Grate on ginger directly onto the salmon divided equally per piece.
5. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds, divided equally per piece.
6. Top with cilantro divided equally per piece. This is clearly an optional step and one that divides many, season to taste and respect others’ cilantro choices. 
7. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
8. Serve with lemon wedges and steamed asparagus, or whatever takes your fancy! 

Frittata 

Serves: 4

Points: 4

Calories: 280

Ingredients

• 1 cup egg substitute
• ¼ cup nonfat milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ lb fresh white mushroom, sliced
• 1 (15 ounces) can white potatoes, drained and sliced
• 1 small red pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 (8 ounces) salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions

Step 1:

• Firstly, preheat the broiler. 

Step 2: 

• Lightly whisk the egg substitute, milk, dill, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until they are nicely mixed.

Step 3:

• Spray a 10-inch oven-proof nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium heat.

Step 4:

• Add the mushrooms and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown for about 5 – 6 minutes.

Step 5:

• Add the potatoes, red pepper, and onions to the skillet; cook while stirring frequently, until the bell pepper is softened, this should take about 2 minutes.

Step 6:

• Add the salmon to the skillet and cook. Be sure to be turning gently to avoid breaking it up. Do this until the salmon is just opaque in the center, all up around 2-3 minutes.

Step 7:

• Pour the egg mixture over the salmon and vegetables in the skillet and be careful to reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set but still wet on top, this process takes around 6 – 7 minutes.

Step 8:

• Place the skillet under the broiler, 4 inches away from the heat, and cook until the top of the frittata is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Yum!

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Sweet and Spicy Mexican Salmon with Mango Pico De Gallo

Serves: 4

Calories: 260

• 4 salmon fillets (wild Alaskan salmon has less fat than the farm-raised salmon)
• Coconut oil cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon of Erythritol (substitute 1 1/2 Tablespoons of honey if you are not needing it to be THM or if you are at goal weight.)
• ⅛ teaspoon Blackstrap Molasses
• 4 teaspoons of Tamari Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce would work, too–If you are using honey instead of the erythritol drizzle the soy sauce on first)

Instructions

Step 1:

• Spray a cookie sheet and the top of each fish filet with coconut oil spray and place the filets on the oiled cookie sheet.

Step 2:

• Sprinkle salt, pepper and chili powder so that it has a nice coating on both sides of the filets (see picture below).

Step 3:

• Stir together 1 Tablespoon of Erythritol (or honey) and ⅛ teaspoon of blackstrap molasses, then spread this mixture on top of the filets.

Step 4:

• Drizzle 1 teaspoon of Tamari soy sauce on top of each filet on the cookie sheet.
• Bake at 425 for 15 minutes then turn the oven to broil and broil a few more minutes (watching carefully) until nicely browned.

Mango Pico De Gallo

90 calories (stand-alone) 

For the Mango Pico De Gallo, the sweet to your savory salmon, you will need to prepare as follows:

• 1 ½ -2 cups of diced tomatoes, drain the juice so you don’t end up with a big mush
• 1 cup of diced ripe mango frozen or fresh
• ½  cup of minced onion
• 1 medium-sized jalapeño, seeded and minced (about 3 Tablespoons)
• ¼  cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• Thaw the mango chunks (I usually just stick them in a container in the fridge overnight and they are perfect the next day) and chop them.  Add remaining ingredients and stir.  

It is that simple.

We love Alfredo.  You’ve already seen a few versions here before, but this Weight Watchers Chicken Alfredo Recipe is one that we really love and know tastes delicious.  The Wee Child, specifically, really loves alfredo dishes, so finding one that the whole family could enjoy was important.  Even though I don’t eat meat and dairy these days, I love having a family friendly option on hand.

Weight Watchers Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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This Chicken Alfredo recipe contains just a few simple ingredients. One of which is Laughing Cow cheese.  We love this for snacks but found it melts beautifully on pasta and really makes this a great choice for a healthier recipe the whole family loves.  I also love using angel hair pasta as it makes me feel like I am getting more pasta.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Recipe

2 cups shredded chicken breast (I use rotisserie chicken)

1 16 ounce package of angel hair pasta

6 Wedges Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend

1/2-1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Directions for Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions, leaving slightly al dente.  Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, cheeses, and seasonings until cheese has melted and a sauce begins to form.  This won’t be a traditional sauce and will be a bit lumpy and should take only 3-4 minutes.

Add in chicken and pasta and use tongs or pasta fork to combine well so that all pasta is coated. Add black pepper to taste. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is heated through.

Remove from heat and serve.

Weight Watchers Chicken Alfredo Recipe

 

Print

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken breast (I use rotisserie chicken)
• 1 package of angel hair pasta (16 punces)
• 6 Wedges Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
• ½-1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions, leaving slightly al dente.  Drain and set aside.
2. Over medium heat, combine water, cheeses, and seasonings until cheese has melted and a sauce begins to form.  This won't be a traditional sauce and will be a bit lumpy and should take only 3-4 minutes.
3. Add in chicken and pasta and use tongs or pasta fork to combine well so that all pasta is coated. Add black pepper to taste. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is heated through.
4. Remove from heat and serve.

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6 SmartPoints per serving on FreeStyle, Flex, or Your Way Plans

8 SmartPoints per serving on Beyond the Scale 

7 PointsPlus per serving

The serving size for this is a bit smaller than my normal pasta dishes, but with the addition of the chicken, it is pretty satisfying.  I personally recommend mixing in some broccoli, peas, or asparagus to the dish, and making it a 1 1/2 cup serving for the same points value.  A nice side salad or steamed vegetable will also give you a great satisfying meal your whole family will enjoy!

This Weight Watchers chicken alfredo recipe is going to be a favorite last minute meal you can whip up in no time.  If you are also a fan of lower points on your pasta, then check out the Carba Nada products for a 3SP serving of pasta instead of 5-6!

If you are looking for more great recipes, don’t forget to join our Weight Watchers Support Group on Facebook!

More Weight Watchers Pasta Recipes:

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Ham
• Weight Watchers SmartPoints Spaghetti Recipe

I have been looking for SmartPoints recipes and decided that it was high time I adapt my favorite enchilada bake to reflect healthier options.  We are kind of crazy for anything that has Mexican or Tex-Mex flavors.  It definitely helps stay within my points range if I feel the flavors are satisfying.  So, this Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Bake is a perfect option that is super easy to portion.

Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Bake

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I start this enchilada bake with salsa chicken breasts.  I usually grab a 40lb. box of chicken breasts any time Zaycon is in the area, so I always have them on hand in my freezer.  For $1.69lb – I can’t miss that deal.  If you prefer chicken breast and especially antibiotic-free options, Zaycon is the way to go.  If you aren’t familiar with

If you aren’t familiar with salsa chicken, it is a super easy method.  You just pour a jar of your favorite salsa over chicken breasts and cook in the oven or slow cooker until done.  2-3 hours in the slow cooker, or 45 minutes to an hour in the oven.  For this enchilada bake, you can easily shred the chicken, or simply dice it.  I use this method of cooking chicken 2-3 times a month.  It’s a great batch-cooking method since it is so versatile.  We make it into tacos, this enchilada bake, and even sandwiches or on top of salads.

Assembling your enchilada bake is super easy. You can add the bell pepper and onion like I do, or you can do just chicken and cheese.  We prefer the added caramelized pepper and onion, so while I am dicing the chicken up, I simply saute my peppers and onions until they are cooked through and caramelized nicely.  Then I mix them, 1/2 the cheese, and the chicken together with 1/2 cup enchilada sauce.

I pick thin corn tortillas for this Weight Watchers recipe since they are lower in fat and calories.  When you shop for tortillas, you may notice that some brands have a thicker and fluffier option.  Skip that and go for the classic thinner corn tortillas.  No need to waste calories.

The process from this point is simply a few simple layers like a lasagna. The Wee Child likes helping with this.  He loves assembling recipes, and since this one doesn’t really take much cooking outside of the oven, it’s one dish I can trust him to make on his own with a little supervision.  I recommend spraying the bottom of your 9×13″ casserole dish with non-stick spray before you begin layering to prevent anything from sticking.

Start with 6 tortillas on the bottom of your dish.  Layer 1/2 the chicken and cheese mixture, then sprinkle with 1/3 the remaining cheese.  You’ll top with another 6 tortillas, the rest of the cheese mixture, and another 1/3 of the remaining cheese.  Finally, you top with 6 more tortillas and then cover with remaining enchilada sauce.  Finally, top with the last of the cheese and sprinkle with a few sliced olives.

5.0 from 1 reviews

Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Bake

 

Print

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

35 mins

Total time

50 mins

 

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 18 thin corn tortillas
• 4 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced or shredded
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded 2% cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ¼ cup sliced black olives

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in medium skillet, and saute bell pepper and onion for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through and beginning to caramelize. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, mix together chicken, ½ cup enchilada sauce, ½ cup cheese, bell pepper, and onion.
5. Layer 6 tortillas in bottom of casserole dish. Top with ½ chicken mixture, and ⅓ remaining cheese.
6. Top this layer with 6 more tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, and another ⅓ cheese.
7. Top with 6 more tortillas.
8. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over casserole and spread until tortillas are well covered.
9. Top with remaining cheese and sliced olives.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

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5 PointsPlus per serving

4 SmartPoints per serving on FreeStyle Plan and FlexPlan

5 SmartPoints per serving on Beyond the Scale

Once this delicious Weight Watchers Chicken Recipe for an Enchilada Bake comes out of the oven, you’ll want to let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it and serving.  You can top with a dollop of fat-free sour cream, or serve with a light side salad topped with your favorite vinaigrette.  Since it is so low in points, you can afford to add a few other toppings to it like lettuce, tomato, salsa, or guacamole.  You can save your points earlier in the day and have a double portion.

I use the Weight Watchers Recipe Builder to calculate the points for this dish.  I can’t say enough about the Weight Watchers program and how much it has done for me.  So if you are wavoring on the investment, I say go for it.  You can do it fo under $20 a month!  I’m not associated with them, and they don’t pay me to say that – I just adore the program.   If you don’t have access to the online or app recipe builder, I recommend using the Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculator to figure points.

This Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Bake is definitely an excellent choice for a slow cooker meal, freezer meal, and simply a regular on our menu plan.  Since it is so yummy and easy to make, I am pretty sure we will be having this a few times a month.

More Weight Watchers Recipes:

• Weight Watchers Soup: Mexican Chicken Soup
• Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
• Weight Watchers Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup