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Baked Mac And Cheese With Cottage Cheese

Baked Mac And Cheese With Cottage Cheese

Baked Mac And Cheese With Cottage Cheese is a comforting, creamy, and healthier twist on classic mac and cheese. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella, this dish delivers a rich, tangy, and gooey experience. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, it’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family meals any day of the week.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling 2 cups of elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain it well, making sure it’s not too soft since it will bake further in the oven.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and mix in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup cottage cheese until melted and smooth, forming a creamy, luscious sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, stirring until every noodle is coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup extra shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
  • Don’t skip the roux; it thickens the sauce perfectly and prevents it from being runny.
  • Drain pasta well so the sauce clings better and your dish isn’t watery.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and fresher taste.
  • Let the baked dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, cottage cheese mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, family-friendly mac and cheese