High Protein Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with our **High Protein Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese**—a rich, creamy, and satisfying twist on the timeless favorite. This dish combines the velvety smoothness of a cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cottage cheese with a protein-packed secret ingredient: plain Greek yogurt. The elbow macaroni is generously coated in this luscious sauce, then topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and serves up to six. Not only does it offer indulgent flavor, but it also delivers a nutritional boost, making it a wholesome, family-approved meal. Keywords: high-protein mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, Greek yogurt mac and cheese, comfort food recipes.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth blend to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
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.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4288 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.6 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.4 g | 637% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 674 mg | 225% | |
| Sodium | 6410 mg | 279% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 368.4 g | 134% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.4 g | ||
| Protein | 228.5 g | 457% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 4348 mg | 334% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1319 mg | 28% | |
*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.
