Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is the creamy, dreamy, and surprisingly healthy twist on a classic comfort food you’ve been searching for, offering a protein-packed and satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly easy to whip up.
Key Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% milk works best)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- Optional: Breadcrumbs, paprika, chopped chives for topping
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe brings together the ultimate comfort of gooey, cheesy pasta with a secret ingredient that boosts creaminess and protein without compromising on deliciousness. It’s remarkably simple, delivering a rich flavor and satisfying texture in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Base: While the macaroni cooks, in a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no cottage cheese curds remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the signature smooth texture of this Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: In a large bowl, pour the smooth cottage cheese mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese (reserving a small handful for topping, if desired), salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the cheeses are mostly incorporated into the creamy base.
- Mix with Macaroni: Add the drained, cooked macaroni to the bowl with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Bake (Optional for Crispy Top): For an extra delightful texture, you can bake your Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with the reserved cheddar cheese and a generous layer of breadcrumbs and paprika for a golden-brown, crispy topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: If you choose not to bake it, simply serve the Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese immediately. For baked versions, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
You’ll absolutely adore this Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese for its unbelievably creamy, velvety sauce that coats every single pasta strand in decadent flavor, creating a truly satisfying experience that rivals any traditionally made mac and cheese. What’s even better is the significant cost savings of whipping up this elevated comfort food at home; it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish. The subtle tang from the cottage cheese adds a delightful depth, while optional flavorful toppings like a crispy breadcrumb crust or a sprinkle of paprika elevate it to something truly special.
Forget those frozen dinners or expensive restaurant versions; this homemade Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a game-changer that proves you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients for maximum flavor and comfort. It’s a dish that brings joy to every bite, packing in protein while satisfying your deepest cravings. So, ditch the guilt and embrace the incredible taste – we know you’ll be making this Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese again and again. Give it a try this week and prepare to be amazed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating on Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat on the stovetop. Place the desired amount of mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a tablespoon or two of milk or water if the sauce seems too thick, until heated through.
- Reheating in Oven (for Baked Versions): If you baked your mac and cheese initially and have leftovers, you can reheat it in the oven. Place in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to regain some crispness on top.
- Freezing: This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese freezes remarkably well. Let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the stovetop or oven methods described above. For a quicker thaw, you can reheat directly from frozen in the oven at a slightly lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) and for a longer duration, checking for doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly magical comfort food, offering a wonderfully creamy and satisfying meal. We encourage you to give this recipe a go; it’s an easy win for deliciousness and a healthier twist on a beloved classic.
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set aside.1 pound elbow macaroni
- While the macaroni cooks, in a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no cottage cheese curds remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the signature smooth texture of this Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese.2 cups cottage cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- In a large bowl, pour the smooth cottage cheese mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese (reserving a small handful for topping, if desired), salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the cheeses are mostly incorporated into the creamy base.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, to taste salt, to taste black pepper
- Add the drained, cooked macaroni to the bowl with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.1 pound elbow macaroni
- For an extra delightful texture, you can bake your Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with the reserved cheddar cheese and a generous layer of breadcrumbs and paprika for a golden-brown, crispy topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- If you choose not to bake it, simply serve the Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese immediately. For baked versions, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.