Description
This High Protein Baked Mac and Cheese recipe transforms the classic comfort dish into a nutritious meal by incorporating low-fat cottage cheese and eggs for extra protein. With creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a cozy and satisfying dinner perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Dairy & Eggs
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese mixture.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente; then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Mix Macaroni and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure the noodles are fully coated with the cheesy blend.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly and pour the mac and cheese mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mixture to create a crunchy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use low-fat cottage cheese for added protein with less fat.
- For a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
