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Post Workout High Calorie Dinner: Pork Chops with Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Post Workout High Calorie Dinner: Pork Chops with Mac and Cheese Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 350 g
Ingredients: bone-in pork chops 2 lbs; elbow macaroni 3 cups; whole milk 2 cups; sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups; unsalted butter 4 tbsp; all-purpose flour 3 tbsp; salt 2 tsp; black pepper 1 tsp; paprika 1 tsp; garlic powder 1 tsp

Thick pork chops next to a bowl of mac and cheese. After leg day, this high calorie dinner is exactly the kind of excess your muscles are asking for.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 860 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in pork chops 2 lbs
elbow macaroni 3 cups
whole milk 2 cups
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups
unsalted butter 4 tbsp
all-purpose flour 3 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

salt 2 tsp
black pepper 1 tsp
paprika 1 tsp
garlic powder 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 64 g 30%

Protein 38 g 18%

Fat 41 g 52%

Serving size 350g

Cooking steps

1

Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let them rest for 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the seasonings.
2

Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When butter foams, add pork chops. Sear chops for 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting heat to prevent burning and ensure a deep golden crust. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4

In a saucepan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
5

Remove saucepan from heat, add shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until fully melted. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly. Serve pork chops alongside a generous bowl of mac and cheese.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The key ingredients are thick bone-in pork chops and sharp cheddar cheese. The pork chops provide a savory, meaty counterpoint, while the cheddar cheese defines the creamy, classic flavor of the mac and cheese. Both are essential for the dish's identity and satisfying texture.

Q. How should I control the heat when cooking the pork chops?

Sear the pork chops over medium-high heat to create a deep golden crust but be sure to adjust the heat if the butter starts to brown too quickly. This prevents burning and ensures the chops cook through while staying juicy. Covering them with foil after searing helps retain moisture.

Q. How can I make the mac and cheese creamy without it becoming grainy?

The secret is to whisk the roux thoroughly and add milk gradually. Melt the cheddar cheese off the heat; melting cheese on high heat can cause graininess. Stir everything until fully smooth before combining with macaroni for a creamy texture.

Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?

Each serving contains approximately 860 kcal and 38 grams of protein. The protein-to-carb ratio (by caloric percent) is 18% protein and 30% carbs, making it substantial for post-workout needs.

Q. Is this recipe suitable for a high-protein diet?

Yes, the recipe qualifies as high protein, offering 38 grams per serving, largely from pork chops and cheddar. This helps muscle recovery, especially after intense workouts.

Post Workout High Calorie Dinner: Pork Chops with Mac and Cheese Recipe

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