Protein Mac & Cheese Bites

Dinner

Single Serving

Kelton Maloy · ★★★★★

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PREP 0 min · COOK 0 min · SERVES 1

1 SERV

EASY

0 min

Ingredients

2 cups cooked high-protein pasta shells

½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded gruyère or mozzarella

½ cup 2% milk

½ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ tablespoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Egg wash

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

Coating

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup grated parmesan

Olive oil spray

Method

Make the mac and cheese mixture. In a saucepan over low heat, combine pasta, cheddar, gruyère, milk, and blended cottage cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Mix cornstarch with a splash of water and stir in. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Shape and freeze. Let the mixture cool completely, then refrigerate 30 minutes. Scoop into bite-sized balls or squares and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

Set up three coating stations: flour, egg wash (egg + milk), and panko + parmesan mixture.

Coat the bites: roll each bite in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the panko-parmesan mixture. Return to tray.

Air fry. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray bites generously with olive oil spray. Air fry in a single layer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Serve immediately!