Description
This creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, generously grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure your mac and cheese doesn’t stick during baking.
- Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook it until it’s al dente, which usually takes about one minute less than the package directions suggest. This way, the pasta will hold its shape and texture in the final dish after baking. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking it for about 1–2 minutes until it turns lightly golden and fragrant. Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take around 3–5 minutes.
- Once your milk mixture is thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and full-fat cottage cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy. Add salt, black pepper, and ground mustard for flavor, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before moving to the next step.
- Gently fold the drained pasta into the warm cheese sauce, ensuring that every piece of macaroni is well-coated in that delicious cheesy mixture. This is where the magic begins, as each bite will be creamy and utterly satisfying.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some additional cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika over the top for added flavor and eye-catching color. Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 25–30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly.
- After removing it from the oven, allow your Baked Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese to rest for about 10 minutes. This waiting period helps the dish firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy this comforting meal while it’s still warm and delicious!
Notes
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings and can be customized with additional ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 20 g