Description

This High Protein Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish packed with protein and rich cheddar flavor, effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker. The recipe layers uncooked pasta with cottage cheese, butter, shredded cheddar, and seasonings, then slow-cooks to tender perfection, making an easy, hands-off meal ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

10 oz elbow pasta
16 oz cottage cheese
2.5 cups shredded cheese (Tillamook cheddar recommended)
1 stick butter (Kerrygold unsalted butter recommended)
2.5 cups water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner or lightly spray the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Gather and measure out all ingredients into separate bowls for smooth assembly.
Layer the ingredients: Add dry elbow pasta as the first layer in the slow cooker. Evenly spread the cottage cheese on top, breaking it up slightly for better distribution. Layer slices of butter over the cottage cheese, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
Add seasonings and water: Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the cheese layer. Carefully pour 2.5 cups of water over the layered ingredients without stirring to allow even cooking and proper water absorption by the pasta.
Cook the mac and cheese: Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours. If not using a liner, stir the mixture halfway through cooking (around 1 hour 15 minutes) to prevent sticking and promote even cooking; if using a liner, this step can be skipped.
Combine and serve: After cooking, stir the entire mixture thoroughly until creamy and cohesive. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to settle and coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup easier and removes the need to stir halfway through cooking.
Do not stir after adding water until cooking is done to prevent disrupting layers and ensure even cooking.
Feel free to adjust shredded cheese type to your preference, but sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor.
Butter can be unsalted Kerrygold or any preferred unsalted butter for best richness.
For thicker mac and cheese, reduce water slightly or cook a bit longer on warm before serving.

Prep Time: 55 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: High Protein, Cottage Cheese, Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner