Description
Indulge in the comfort of this Savory Classic Baked Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese, a delightful twist on a beloved favorite. This creamy casserole combines elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce, enhanced by the addition of cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish will warm your heart and please your taste buds with every cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Add cottage cheese along with seasonings; mix well.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg