By Elise BauerView →
HIGH PROTEIN
The Secret to This High-Protein Mac and Cheese Is Cottage Cheese
★★★★★
5.0 (260)|(2 Reviews)Blended cottage cheese and sharp cheddar create an ultra-creamy, velvety mac and cheese with 28g protein per bowl.
K
By Kayla Hoang (Recipe Developer)•Published May 10, 2026
⏱ 45 mins
Simply Recipes / Kayla Hoang🔥 410 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- 28 grams of protein per serving.
- Ultra creamy without making a flour roux.
HIGH PROTEIN
The Secret to This High-Protein Mac and Cheese Is Cottage Cheese
Blending cottage cheese in a food processor or blender eliminates all curds, turning it into a silky, protein-packed béchamel alternative that melts into sharp cheddar without any flour or heavy cream.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings6 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 16 oz 4% cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk & 1/2 tsp garlic powder & 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs tossed with 1 tbsp melted butter
Directions
1
Blend cottage cheese
Blend cottage cheese with milk, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until completely smooth.
2
Toss with hot pasta and cheddar
Toss warm cooked pasta with blended cottage cheese sauce and 1 1/2 cups cheddar until melted.
3
Bake with panko crust
Pour into baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and buttered panko. Bake at 375°F for 20 mins until bubbly.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Full-fat (4%) cottage cheese melts much smoother than nonfat.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories410 kcal
Protein28g
Carbs46g
Total Fat14g
Sodium: 590mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
S
Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
D
David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
