Low Fat High Protein Baked Mac ’n Cheese
Baked Mac ’n Cheese? On a diet?? You don’t have to give up on food that tastes good to unbig your back this summer!
This week I started a new diet & workout routine to get right in time for my birthday vacation. And most of the time when you hear diet, you hear bland, boring food.
But trust the vibes on this one. I got you covered with my Low Fat High Protein Baked Mac ’n Cheese recipe. And the best part? You can enjoy it guilt free! #LetsVibe
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni noodles
4 oz provolone cheese
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
for topping
Cheese Sauce
2 cups low fat cottage cheese, room temperature
4 oz low fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup 2% milk, room temperature
1 egg, room temperature
Seasoning Blend
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a pot on medium heat
Add 2 Tbsp sea salt to boiling water
Add elbow macaroni noodles & boil 25 minutes while stirring occasionally
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Drain boiled macaroni noodles in strainer & rinse with cold water
Shake off excess water & set cooked noodles aside in strainer to continue draining
Shred blocks of sharp cheddar & provolone cheeses & set aside (it’s ok to mix these together, minus cheese for topping)
Add room temperature Cheese Sauce ingredients to a large enough blender cup & blend 1-2 minutes until completely smooth
Add Cheese Sauce & already measured seasoning blend to cook & drained macaroni noodles, then mix to combine well
Add shredded cheese blend to cheese sauced noodles & mix to combine well
Transfer mixed mac ’n cheese to a 9x13 baking dish coated with non-stick spray
Cover baking dish with foil & bake covered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes
Remove from oven, uncover & add additional topping shredded cheese in an even layer
Return dish to oven uncovered & set oven to broil for 2-3 minutes
Remove from oven & allow to rest 15 minutes before serving
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley & enjoy!
