High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese: Creamy & Easy (Print Version)
High protein cottage cheese mac and cheese offers a creamy, satisfying twist on a classic. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients for a wholesome meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Creamy Protein Base
01 -
2 cups (16 oz) 4% fat cottage cheese
02 -
1/2 cup 2% milk
→ Golden Cheese & Pasta Core
03 -
8 oz elbow macaroni
04 -
2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 -
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
→ Savory Roux & Seasonings
06 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
08 -
1 tsp dry mustard powder
09 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 -
1/4 tsp onion powder
11 -
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Shred 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
02 -
In a blender, combine 2 cups (16 oz) 4% fat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup 2% milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This forms the creamy protein base for your High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Easy.
03 -
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a pale golden roux forms. Do not brown.
04 -
Gradually whisk the blended cottage cheese mixture into the roux until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded 2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Achieve the ultimate creamy texture for your High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Easy.
06 -
Add the cooked and drained 8 oz elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat completely. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake your High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Easy for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
07 -
Remove the High Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Easy from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency. Enjoy warm as a comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle a handful of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a drizzle of melted butter over the mac and cheese before baking.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
03 -
Feel free to experiment with other cheese combinations like Gruyere or white cheddar for a different flavor profile, keeping the total quantity the same.
04 -
This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
medium saucepan
03 -
blender (or immersion blender)
04 -
whisk
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
07 -
cheese grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 681 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
Protein: 38 g