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Thanksgiving is Here! Celebrate with Healthy Protein Mac & Cheese

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food! Whether you need a Friendsgiving dish to bring or you're looking to surprise your family, this mac and cheese recipe is healthy and easy to make. It has 22 grams of protein per serving and only takes 30 minutes to prepare.


Why Choose Protein Mac & Cheese?


This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It provides a great source of protein, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. The combination of cottage cheese and low-fat cheddar cheese ensures that you can enjoy a creamy texture without the guilt. Plus, it's a fantastic way to please both kids and adults alike.


Protein Mac & Cheese Ingredients


  • Protein Noodles

  • Cottage Cheese

  • Low-Fat Cheddar Cheese

  • Butter

  • Flour


Water boiling in pot on stove

Cooking Steps


  1. Cook the Noodles

    First, cook the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, set them aside.


  2. Prepare the Sauce

    Using the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. While the butter is melting, slowly add 1½ tablespoons of flour. Stir continuously until the mixture turns golden brown.


  3. Blend the Cottage Cheese

    While the flour and butter are cooking, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and free of chunks. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy sauce.


  4. Combine Ingredients

    Bring the mixture to a boil while slowly adding ¾ cup of low-fat milk over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese until they melt into a smooth sauce. Feel free to add more cheese if you desire!


  5. Mix in the Noodles

    Finally, add the cooked noodles back into the pot. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the delicious cheese sauce.


Finished meal in pots on stove

Enjoy Your Meal!


Lastly, enjoy the mac and cheese alongside all the other amazing dishes at the table. Soak in the spirit of Thanksgiving and share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Give this healthy recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!


Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving


Plan Ahead


Planning your Thanksgiving menu in advance can save you a lot of stress. Make a list of all the dishes you want to prepare, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. This way, you can ensure that everything is ready on time.


Set the Table Early


Setting the table a day before can help you focus on cooking on the big day. Use festive decorations to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.


Get Everyone Involved


Thanksgiving is about togetherness. Encourage your family and friends to help with cooking or setting up. This not only makes the process quicker but also adds to the fun.


Don't Forget the Leftovers


Thanksgiving leftovers are a treat! Make sure to have containers ready for guests to take home some of your delicious dishes, including the protein mac and cheese.


Reflect on Gratitude


Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you are grateful for. Take a moment during your meal to share your thoughts with your loved ones. It adds a special touch to the celebration.


Be Well, Auburn.

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