High Protein Holiday Comfort Mac and Cheese

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if you’re looking for a holiday side dish that’s creamy, cozy, secretly loaded with protein, and still indulgent enough to bring to any gathering… this high protein holiday comfort mac and cheese is it.

it’s everything we love about classic mac and cheese, but with a nourishing upgrade thanks to cottage cheese, roasted squash, and protein pasta.

it’s hearty, silky, golden, and the kind of dish everyone goes back for seconds of.

taste + texture

this mac and cheese is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet from the roasted honey patch or butternut squash.

the sauce blends into a silky, velvety consistency that coats every noodle, and the cheddar + parmesan topping gets bubbly and golden in the oven.

it tastes rich and festive, but never heavy or greasy.

the squash adds a subtle depth and natural sweetness, while the cottage cheese and miso deliver that salty, savory, almost cheesy backbone that keeps the flavor layered and comforting.

the texture is pure holiday magic—soft noodles, creamy sauce, and a lightly crisped cheesy top. it feels like true comfort food, but with a lighter, fresher twist.

a healthier holiday mac + the protein boost

this dish feels indulgent, but there’s a secret nutrient punch in every bite.

cottage cheese adds extra creaminess along with a major boost of protein.

roasting the squash not only deepens the flavor, but also brings a dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

using protein pasta (whether chickpea, lentil or another brand you love) makes each serving more balanced and blood sugar–friendly.

it’s one of those dishes where you genuinely get the cozy, nostalgic mac and cheese experience, but with ingredients that leave

you feeling good after eating it. this one fits right into a holiday spread, but you’ll love that it fuels you too.

still indulgent enough for the holidays

even though it’s packed with cottage cheese, squash, and protein pasta, this mac and cheese still delivers the holiday comfort we all want.

there’s melty cheddar throughout, an irresistibly cheesy crust on top, and a deeply savory flavor that can hold its own next to any classic side dish.

it’s wholesome without tasting “healthy,” and that’s exactly why it’s so perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday dinners.

substitution options

this recipe is super flexible and can easily fit your dietary needs or what you already have on hand.

• pasta: any protein pasta works—chickpea, lentil, or even a high-protein wheat pasta. gluten-free pasta is totally fine here.
• squash: honey patch squash, butternut squash, kabocha, or delicata all roast beautifully.
• milk: any dairy-free or regular milk works. oat, almond, cashew, or 2% will all blend smoothly.
• cheese: feel free to swap cheddar for a blend—gruyère, fontina, mozzarella, or even dairy-free cheddar shreds. parmesan can be replaced with pecorino for extra saltiness.
• miso paste: you can omit it, but it adds amazing umami. a splash of tamari or a teaspoon of nutritional yeast works in a pinch.
• cottage cheese: ricotta can work, but it won’t be as high in protein.

how to store + reheat

this mac and cheese stores really well, making it great for meal prep or bringing to a gathering.

• fridge: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• freezer: freeze in portions for up to 2 months. thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• reheat: warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. if it starts to look dry, just add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess.

this dish reheats beautifully and keeps that creamy texture, which makes it an ideal make-ahead holiday recipe.

if you like High Protein Holiday Comfort Mac and Cheese, you’ll also love these other recipes of mine!

Easy Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Flatbreads

Epic Healthy High Protein French Onion Soup Dip

Healthy Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Cheesy Pumpkin Sauce (Gluten-Free!)

Delicious Spanakopita Inspired Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Whipped Feta and Pumpkin Spinach Dip

Nourishing Veggie Lentil Tortilla Soup

Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Pasta (Panera Copycat!)

Amazing Skin Food Fall Salad

YiaYia’s Cozy Greek Gigantes

The Best Gluten-Free Weeknight Enchiladas (Vegetarian +15g Protein!)

Lower Carb Buffalo Cauliflower Flatbreads

Greek Girl Spanakopita Dip

are you going to make my High Protein Holiday Comfort Mac and Cheese ?!
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