Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cottage cheese mac and cheese is a comforting twist on the classic dish, blending creamy textures and cheesy flavors that will delight your taste buds. This easy-to-make recipe features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, enhanced with cottage cheese for added creaminess. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about one minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and cottage cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving, garnishing with extra cheddar if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sauté garlic and onions before adding them to the cheese sauce. Swap out cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a different taste experience. Mix in cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.