Boss Baked Mac & Cheese (with Unflavored Protein)

Boss Baked Mac & Cheese just got better! 😋 Now with an extra five grams of protein per serving - thanks to Unflavored Protein Powder! 

Makes 4 servings 
375 calories / 14F / 31C / 29P / per serving

4 oz. whole wheat macaroni or elbow pasta 
1 Italian chicken sausage 
2 slices turkey bacon 
1 Tbs. grass-fed butter
1 Tbs. CSE Buttermilk or Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix 
1 serving CSE Unflavored Protein Powder 
1 cup fat-free milk 
1/4 tsp. sea salt 
Dash black pepper 
3 cups frozen cauliflower rice 
1/2 cup low-fat, shredded cheddar cheese
6 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese 
1 slice Ezekiel Bread 
Dash garlic powder 
Dash sea salt
Dash paprika 
Dash thyme

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cook macaroni according to directions on the package. Drain and set aside.

3. Slice the chicken sausage into thin rounds and chop bacon into small pieces. Place in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook until fragrant and all sides are browned.  Remove from heat and set aside.

4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add the CSE Pancake & Waffle Mix and stir until well combined. Add the protein powder to the milk and froth until well combined. Slowly add the milk to the butter and whisk constantly until slightly thickened and smooth. Add in the sea salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese and four tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted into the sauce. Add the frozen cauliflower rice, macaroni, sausage, and bacon to the sauce. Stir until well combined. Pour into an 8x8 baking dish.

5. Toast the bread in the toaster until browned on both sides. Break into pieces and place in a blender. Pulse until it turns into bread crumbs. Combine the bread crumbs, two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, sea salt, garlic powder, paprika and thyme together in a bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni. Bake for 25 minutes. Divide into equal servings and enjoy warm.