This is the most clever way to quickly up the protein and addictiveness of an already great classic box of mac and cheese adding just two simple ingredients. Your kids won’t want mac and cheese any other way after this!
Kids Protein Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 large or 4 small bowls
INGREDIENTS
- 1 box macaroni & cheese (any brand, 6–7 oz box)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, your choice)
- 3 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
DIRECTIONS
- Cook pasta:
- Boil the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and keep in the colander while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Blend sauce:
- While pasta drains, turn the stove back on to a low heat and add milk, butter, cottage cheese, egg, and the powdered cheese packet from the box and whisk until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the the hot pasta back into the pot over the cheese sauce and mix together over low heat. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, until the egg cooks through and the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
- Serve hot.
- Read notes below for additional add-ins for protein and nutrition, storage, and tips.
NOTES
- Full-fat cottage cheese will give the creamiest result, but low-fat works too.
- For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken, tuna, or a can of white beans.
- For extra nutrition, stir in finely chopped steamed broccoli or cauliflower.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stove top with a splash of milk and a little butter.
- Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make Ahead: You can cook the pasta and blend the sauce up to a day in advance, then combine and warm just before serving.
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