Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein!)

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein!)

6 servings
This high protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food lightened up! This classic mac has a creamy, rich sauce and over 13 grams of protein per serving! No one will ever believe the secret ingredient and they will be asking for this recipe non-stop!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup cottage cheese

    180g

  • 3/4 cup milk

    180g

  • 1.5 Tbsp cornstarch

    12g

  • 3 oz. sharp cheddar cheese

    freshly shredded

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp sweet paprika

    salt & pepper

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

    14g

  • 1 oz. parmesan cheese

    freshly shredded or grated

Directions

  1. 1

    Add water to a pot and bring to a boil. Salt to taste. Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions. Then rinse, drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a blender or with an immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, cornstarch, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

  3. 3

    Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once almost melted, transfer the cheese sauce to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and has thickened some.

  4. 4

    Allow the cheese sauce to cool down some (wait until it's done bubbling), then add the macaroni in. Then remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese.

  5. 5

    Taste and add any additional salt, pepper or seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese to serve and enjoy!

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein!)

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese (High Protein!)

20 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that ultimate creamy comfort food but want to boost your protein intake? This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe is your answer, delivering a rich, satisfying dish with a secret ingredient that makes it surprisingly high in protein. You'll love how this classic gets a wholesome twist!

The magic lies in using whole milk cottage cheese to create an incredibly creamy, luxurious sauce that feels indulgent without relying solely on heavy cream or excessive butter. This clever addition not only enhances the texture but also packs over 13 grams of protein per serving, making classic mac and cheese a more wholesome meal. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food with a nutritional twist.

Prepare for a mac and cheese experience that's deeply satisfying and familiar, yet subtly elevated. You'll find a perfectly rich, velvety sauce coating every elbow macaroni, boasting the sharp, tangy notes of cheddar and the nutty depth of Parmesan. The texture is smooth and utterly comforting, and the best part? No one will guess the secret behind its incredible creaminess and impressive protein content. It’s a delightful surprise that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Customization & Serving Ideas

While sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a classic flavor profile, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different nuances. You can also adjust the fat content of the milk and cottage cheese – using full-fat varieties will yield an even richer sauce, while lower-fat options can still provide great results. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper could be added alongside the sweet paprika.

This high-protein mac and cheese is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a satisfying side dish for a potluck, or a hearty lunch. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings classic comfort with an unexpected, healthful boost.

Frequently Asked Questions