Top 5 Tips for a perfect Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese at Home
A creamy and delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, this cottage cheese version is rich in protein and full of flavor. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan for cheese sauce
- Blender (optional, for smoothing cottage cheese)
- Baking dish (if baking)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or a blend
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Blend Cottage Cheese (Optional): For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese in a blender until creamy.
- Combine: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, cottage cheese, and cheese sauce. Mix well until all the pasta is coated.
- Serve Stovetop or Bake: For stovetop mac and cheese, serve immediately. For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs (if using), and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy cottage cheese mac and cheese!
Notes
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Swap butter for olive oil for a healthier fat alternative.
- Blending the Cottage Cheese: Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese types for unique flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Add cooked spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower for added nutrition.
Twists and Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a non-vegetarian option.
- Try different cheeses like gouda for a smoky flavor or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Stir in herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
Tips for Perfecting:
- Undercook the pasta slightly for the best texture.
- Blend cottage cheese for a silky sauce or leave it chunky for more texture.
- Season gradually and taste as you go for balanced flavors.
