Baked Mac and Cheese

Health score
16%
Baked Mac and Cheese
45 min.
6
347kcal

Suggestions


Mac and cheese is a beloved classic that evokes nostalgia and comfort with every bite. This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe elevates the traditional dish into a delightful side or main course, perfect for lunch or dinner. With a creamy blend of cottage cheese and sharp cheddar, every serving is a melty, savory experience that will have you coming back for seconds.

This dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly healthy, featuring low-fat ingredients without compromising on flavor. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness, while the panko topping provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath. Whether you're preparing a family gathering or simply looking for a tasty weeknight meal, this baked mac and cheese will impress your guests and loved ones alike.

Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a quick and easy way to satisfy those cheesy cravings. Plus, it offers 347 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free indulgence. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that's sure to become a new favorite in your cookbook!

Ingredients

  • 0.1 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • 12 ounce carton cottage cheese 2% low-fat
  • tablespoon flat-leaf parsley fresh minced
  • tablespoons panko bread crumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • ounces parmesan cheese fresh divided grated
  • 12 ounces penne pasta) (tube-shaped uncooked
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded finely

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • oven
  • baking pan
  • broiler

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 37
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
  3. Drain; place in a large bowl.
  4. Place cottage cheese in a food processor; process until smooth.
  5. Combine cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add the cheese mixture to pasta, and stir well. Spoon mixture into an 11 x 7-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  7. Combine remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, panko, and parsley in a small bowl.
  8. Sprinkle evenly over pasta mixture.
  9. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.
  10. Preheat broiler (do not remove dish from the oven).
  11. Broil pasta 1 minute or until top browns.

Nutrition Facts

Calories347kcal
Protein24.25%
Fat19.41%
Carbs56.34%

Properties

Glycemic Index
26.67
Glycemic Load
17.18
Inflammation Score
-4
Nutrition Score
12.068260905535%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
1.44mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Myricetin
0.1mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:346.87kcal
17.34%
Fat:7.36g
11.32%
Saturated Fat:3.95g
24.68%
Carbohydrates:48.08g
16.03%
Net Carbohydrates:46.01g
16.73%
Sugar:3.48g
3.87%
Cholesterol:18.14mg
6.05%
Sodium:677.56mg
29.46%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:20.69g
41.38%
Selenium:47µg
67.14%
Phosphorus:300.7mg
30.07%
Manganese:0.58mg
28.86%
Calcium:235.56mg
23.56%
Vitamin B2:0.22mg
13.03%
Zinc:1.7mg
11.35%
Vitamin K:11.83µg
11.27%
Magnesium:42.15mg
10.54%
Copper:0.2mg
10.02%
Vitamin B12:0.59µg
9.8%
Fiber:2.07g
8.29%
Vitamin B1:0.12mg
7.89%
Vitamin B6:0.14mg
7.05%
Vitamin B3:1.41mg
7.04%
Iron:1.2mg
6.65%
Folate:26.03µg
6.51%
Potassium:205.26mg
5.86%
Vitamin A:248.13IU
4.96%
Vitamin B5:0.48mg
4.79%
Vitamin E:0.17mg
1.13%
Vitamin C:0.89mg
1.07%
Source:My Recipes