Creamy Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe to Savor

The moment you take a bite of cottage cheese mac and cheese, your taste buds will dance like nobody’s watching. Velvety cheese sauce coats al dente pasta, creating a creamy, dreamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The aroma wafting from the stove is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, promising comfort with every spoonful.

Picture this: a rainy afternoon, laughter fills the air, and your family gathers around the table for a cozy meal. This dish brings back memories of childhood dinners and lazy weekends. The anticipation builds as you pull it from the oven, golden and bubbling—a perfect dish for game nights or just because you deserve something delicious!

I once made this dish for friends during a movie night, and they couldn’t stop raving about it—one even asked if I was secretly a chef!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love; cooking until al dente gives the best texture.

• Cottage Cheese: Opt for small curd cottage cheese for creaminess; it adds protein without overwhelming flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheddar delivers rich flavor; shred it yourself for meltability.

• Milk: Whole milk helps create a creamy sauce; feel free to substitute almond or oat milk if needed.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control saltiness; it adds richness to the sauce.

• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the sauce perfectly; don’t skip this step for that classic mac and cheese texture.

• Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these staples enhance all the flavors beautifully.

• Optional Toppings: Think breadcrumbs or extra cheese for that irresistible crispy topping!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save some pasta water for later.

Create the Cheese Sauce Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute until golden brown—this forms your roux!

Add Cottage Cheese and Milk: Slowly whisk in milk while stirring constantly until well combined. Add cottage cheese next while continuing to stir; let everything simmer gently until thickened—about 5 minutes.

Melt in Cheddar Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. The mixture should be smooth, cheesy bliss that beckons you closer.

Combine Pasta with Sauce: Fold cooked pasta into your cheesy mixture gently but thoroughly so every noodle gets coated in that luscious sauce. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time.

Bake Until Golden Brown (Optional): Transfer everything into an oven-safe dish if desired, sprinkle some extra cheddar or breadcrumbs on top, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden—around 20 minutes.

And there you have it! Your delightful cottage cheese mac and cheese is ready to transport you back to those cozy memories while treating your taste buds to something truly special! Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta while preparing the creamy cheese sauce. Combine cottage cheese and cheddar for a velvety texture that elevates this dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheddar for gouda or add sautéed veggies for extra nutrition. Spices like paprika can add a unique kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the texture creamy.

Cooking this cottage cheese mac and cheese always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone left with full bellies.

FAQ

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Low-fat options still deliver creaminess without the guilt.

How long does it take to cook pasta for mac and cheese?

Typically, 8-10 minutes is ideal for perfectly al dente pasta.

Can I freeze leftovers of cottage cheese mac and cheese?

Yes! Freezing is fine; just ensure it’s well-sealed to avoid freezer burn.

Print

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cottage cheese mac and cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish combines al dente pasta with a luscious cheese sauce featuring cottage cheese and sharp cheddar. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it’s sure to evoke warm memories while satisfying your cravings. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of happiness served warm!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded aged cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: breadcrumbs or extra cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking until combined. Stir in cottage cheese and simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
5. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce; add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
6. For an optional crispy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables or swapping out cheddar for gouda. - Experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder for a flavor boost.