Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cottage cheese mac and cheese is a creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic comfort dish. This delightful recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from cottage cheese and sharp cheddar, creating a rich texture that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish is easy to prepare and offers endless opportunities for customization. Whether you enjoy it as-is or enhance it with your favorite toppings, this cottage cheese mac and cheese will quickly become a go-to favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk while whisking until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Add the cottage cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg