Description
Creamy, high-protein mac cheese bake made with cauliflower instead of pasta. 25g protein per serving and ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (600g), cut into small florets
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 3 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Cut cauliflower into pea-sized florets. Steam 5 minutes until just tender.
- Drain well and pat very dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Blend cottage cheese, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
- Mix cauliflower with cheese sauce and half the shredded cheddar.
- Spread mixture into prepared dish and top with remaining cheddar.
- Bake 25–28 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat cauliflower extremely dry to prevent watery sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Leftovers reheat beautifully for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American