Bacon Mac & Cheese Meal Prep (Low Calorie, High Protein)

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while American cheese melts well.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pancetta

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while pancetta offers similar flavor.

Lay out 10 strips of turkey bacon on a tray with parchment paper.

Cook the turkey bacon in the oven for 30 minutes at 325°F.

While the bacon is cooking, bring 5 L of water to a boil and add 50 g of salt.

Add 425 g of macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 7 minutes (90% of the cook time).

At the 8-minute mark, drain the macaroni and let it air dry in a bowl.

Take 200 mL of the pasta water and mix it with 15 g of corn starch to create a slurry.

In a pot, combine the cornstarch slurry, light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, light cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir the mixture and bring it to a quick boil to activate the cornstarch, then reduce to a low simmer until desired consistency is reached.

Pour the cheese sauce into the macaroni and mix well.

Plate the mac and cheese and heat in the microwave for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens