High Protein Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a wholesome twist on the beloved favorite. Packed with protein-rich ingredients like creamy Greek yogurt, velvety cottage cheese, and a duo of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious upgrade to traditional mac and cheese. A buttery panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crispy finish, while a hint of paprika enhances the savory flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this baked macaroni masterpiece is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes of hands-on time before it bakes to golden, bubbly perfection. Enjoy a balanced, protein-forward comfort dish the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth blend to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Turn the heat to low and add in the Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cottage cheese. Stir until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1864.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4288.1

Total Fat 211.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 127.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 673.8mg	0%
Sodium 6410.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 368.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 65.4g
Protein 228.5g	0%

Vitamin D 233.3IU	0%
Calcium 4347.8mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 1318.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.4%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 34.3%