Everything Bagel Macaroni & Cheese ~ A Simple and Comforting Dish (with Lightened-Up Option!)

Everything Bagel Macaroni & Cheese is a unique twist on everyone’s favorite comfort food: Mac & Cheese! Plus, with under 10 ingredients, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes. I’ve also added a simple option to make a lighter, high protein version! Keep scrolling to find the recipe below.

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Mac and cheese is one of those classic recipes that everyone loves. It’s easy to make and, honestly, always hits the spot. So a few years ago when the everything bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s came out and was all the rage, I started thinking of creative ways to use it. This Everything Bagel Macaroni & Cheese recipe was born, and it has since gone viral on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest! It’s also a staple meal here at HB.

I’ve recently developed a lighter, high protein version of Everything Bagel Macaroni & Cheese as well! You can find that below.

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How to make Lightened Up High Protein Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese

A few simple swaps make a lighter and high protein version of Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese. Chickpea pasta and Greek yogurt adds more protein, while we’re also cutting down on the amount of cream cheese used.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces dry chickpea pasta (any shape)
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese OR white cheddar cheese + some more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cook pasta as directed, drain and set aside
3. In same pot or a large pan, turn heat to medium low and whisk together cream cheese, milk and seasonings. Turn heat off then whisk in Greek yogurt and cheese until fully melted
4. Add cooked pasta to sauce and stir until all pasta is coated evenly, then stir in everything bagel seasoning
5. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with another sprinkle of cheese and everything bagel seasoning (optional)
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes

Other substitution options:

• I like to make this mac & cheese gluten-free, so I usually use a rice, corn or bean-based pasta. Some of my favorites are Banza chickpea pasta or Barilla gluten-free pasta.
• If you want to make this dairy-free, then simply use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Some of my favorite dairy-free cheese brands are Kite Hill, Miyokos Creamery and VioLife
• Instead of regular milk you could use your favorite nondairy milks. I like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. I would recommend using an unflavored, unsweetened milk because you don’t want to alter the flavor of the recipe
• Instead of mozzarella cheese you could use cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Add in any of your favorite veggies. Spinach or roasted broccoli would be great in this!
• For added protein you could add grilled chicken to this dish
• Baking the pasta at the end is not necessary, but I prefer to because it brings the flavors together better. Plus it is an excuse to add more cheese on top 😉

As always if you make this Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese or any of my other recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram @hungry.blonde so I can see how it turned out! And you can also leave a comment if you have any questions. xoxo GG

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