Are you tired of mac and cheese that's all carbs and no muscle? Get ready to revolutionize your comfort food experience with this Protein Packed Baked Mac Cheese that's not just a dish, but a nutritional game-changer! Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that doesn't just satisfy your taste buds but also supports your fitness goals. This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - it's a protein-loaded culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance and your muscles thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a consistent cheese blend.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, then pour the egg and milk mixture over the pasta. Gently stir to ensure all pasta is evenly coated with cheese and seasoning.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-protein cheeses like cottage cheese and mozzarella to maximize the protein content.
- For extra creaminess, ensure your cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture.
- Use fresh garlic and onion powder for more intense flavor.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking if you want extra golden-brown edges.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the proteins and cheese to set properly.
- For meal prep, this dish can be refrigerated and reheated, maintaining its delicious texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
