Description
This Baked Mac And Cheese With Cottage Cheese is a creamy, golden, protein-packed comfort food dish that makes an easy dinner, cozy side dish, family meal, holiday casserole, and simple food idea for busy nights. Tender elbow macaroni is folded into a smooth cottage cheese cheddar sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and lightly browned.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups small-curd cottage cheese
2 cups whole milk
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well.
3. Add the cottage cheese and whole milk to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in the blended cottage cheese mixture until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
7. Reduce the heat to low and add 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted.
8. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
9. Spread the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Blend the cottage cheese fully for the smoothest sauce and creamiest texture.
Cook the pasta slightly underdone so it does not become mushy while baking.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens and holds together better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese with cottage cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, baked macaroni and cheese, holiday casserole, dinner ideas, food ideas