Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a scrumptious twist on the classic comfort dish. This creamy, cheesy delight combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with rich cheddar cheese and the unique tang of cottage cheese, resulting in a warm bowl of comfort that satisfies cravings while being quick to prepare. Whether for cozy family nights or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in cottage cheese and milk until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and paprika; stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess.
- For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheddar, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with spices like garlic powder or toss in cooked broccoli or bacon bits. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.