Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy twist on the classic dish. It’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making it a little healthier and extra delicious!
Honestly, I love how the cottage cheese melts and blends into the pasta! It’s the perfect comfort food when you’re craving something cheesy but want to keep it light. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese. You can switch it up with shells, cavatappi, or even gluten-free pasta if you need to. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type!
Cottage Cheese: I like using small curd for a smoother texture, but medium curd works just as well. If you’re avoiding dairy, try blended silken tofu for a similar creaminess and a bit of protein.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor! If you want a milder taste, use mild cheddar instead. You can also mix in other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
Butter and Flour: These ingredients help create a roux for the cheese sauce. You can substitute with olive oil and cornstarch for a lighter version. Just remember that cornstarch may require a bit less than flour for thickening.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce is Smooth?
Creating a creamy cheese sauce without lumps is key! Start by making a roux with melted butter and flour, cooking it for 1-2 minutes. Then, whisk in milk slowly and keep stirring to avoid lumps.
- Use a medium saucepan over medium heat for the roux.
- Whisk continuously as you gradually add milk to ensure it blends well.
- Cook until thickened, and don’t rush this step—it’ll make a big difference!
If you want an even creamier sauce, consider blending in the cottage cheese using an immersion blender after it’s combined. This makes your dish extra smooth!
Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small or medium curd)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley or paprika for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total, including time to cook the pasta and prepare the cheese sauce. If you decide to bake it, add an additional 15-20 minutes for the oven time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes for a warm, cheesy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside while you make the cheese sauce.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This creates a roux that helps thicken the sauce.
3. Add Milk and Thicken:
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking and cook the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens up nicely. You want a creamy consistency, so take your time here!
4. Incorporate the Cheese:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cottage cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. For an extra creamy sauce, feel free to use an immersion blender to blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. This is the fun part, so make sure each piece of pasta gets that cheesy goodness!
6. (Optional) Bake Your Dish:
If you want a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
7. Bake and Serve:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once it’s finished, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, delicious Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese!
Truly, this Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese is a comforting dish that puts a delightful twist on the classic version, making it a perfect choice for any meal!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, cavatappi, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked perfectly!
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, blended silken tofu can be a great dairy-free option, providing a similar creamy texture. You can also use ricotta cheese for a richer taste, but keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free elbow macaroni or your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free, but always check labels just to be sure!
