High Protein Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this High Protein Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese—a creamy, indulgent dish that packs a nutritious punch! This recipe takes the classic Cracker Barrel-inspired macaroni and cheese to the next level by incorporating protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and unflavored protein powder. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and a hint of Parmesan for that golden, oven-broiled finish. Flavored with subtle notes of garlic and mustard powder, this quick and easy 35-minute recipe delivers all the indulgence of traditional mac and cheese with a healthy twist. Perfect for post-workout meals, family dinners, or meal prep, this high-protein comfort food proves that delicious and nutritious can go hand in hand!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop protein powder (unflavored or cheese-flavored)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the protein powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is fully coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Place the dish under a preheated broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2938 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 131.1 g | 168% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.5 g | 398% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 425 mg | 142% | |
| Sodium | 4216 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 252.4 g | 92% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.8 g | ||
| Protein | 180.2 g | 360% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.8 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 3064 mg | 236% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1652 mg | 35% | |
*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.
