Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese gives you the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese but with a fun twist! The cottage cheese adds a healthy touch and makes it extra cheesy.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in—easy to make and so comforting. I love mixing in some extra cheese on top before baking. Melty goodness? Yes, please! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese! If you want something different, try shell pasta or penne for a fun twist. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Cottage Cheese: Small-curd cottage cheese gives a smooth texture. If you prefer a creamier dish, you can use ricotta or cream cheese instead.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a tangy flavor. Feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique taste!
Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess, but 2% or even almond milk works well if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Butter and Flour: These are for making the roux. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be used instead, and cornstarch can thicken the sauce nicely.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
A creamy cheese sauce is the heart of mac and cheese, and making it right is essential. Here are the steps to perfect your sauce:
- Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour to create a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Whisk in the milk slowly. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until it thickens up nicely—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheese. The heat from the sauce will melt the cheese into a creamy goodness. Make sure to mix it until smooth!
Trust me; this is where the magic happens! Enjoy watching your cheese sauce turn into a rich and creamy delight.
Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. So in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to help create that bubbly, golden top for your mac and cheese.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
In a large pot, boil water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain it well and set it aside. We want the macaroni to hold its shape beautifully!
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour into the melted butter, cooking for about a minute. This mixture is called a roux and will help to thicken our sauce!
4. Add Milk to the Roux:
Slowly whisk in the milk, taking care to break up any lumps from the flour. Keep whisking continuously until the mixture begins to thicken—this should take around 3-5 minutes!
5. Season the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder. These spices add flavor and richness to your sauce.
6. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Now for the fun part! Add the cottage cheese and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is nice and smooth.
7. Combine with Macaroni:
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated in creamy goodness. It should look irresistible!
8. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. If you like, add a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color!
9. Bake It Up:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the top is perfectly golden brown.
10. Let It Cool:
After baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve and eat!
11. Enjoy!
Now, dig in and enjoy your warm, creamy Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese! Perfect as a dinner side or a hearty main dish. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to cook them al dente according to package instructions.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian since it doesn’t contain meat. Just double-check that your cheeses are made without animal rennet if you’re aiming for a strict vegetarian or vegan option. You can also experiment with plant-based cheese alternatives!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems too dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or diced tomatoes can boost the nutrition and flavor. Just mix them in right before you pour everything into the baking dish.