This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a fun twist on the classic dish! Creamy cottage cheese adds a smooth texture and protein boost, making it a little healthier without losing the cheesy goodness.
Honestly, it’s like getting a hug from a warm bowl of comfort! I love how easy it is to whip up, and the kids can’t even tell it’s cottage cheese. More cheesy smiles all around! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta is a great choice for mac and cheese. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, feel free to use shells, fusilli, or penne for something different.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess. You could swap it with ricotta for a slightly different texture, or if you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite to the dish. If you want a milder flavor, try medium cheddar or even mozzarella. For a kick, consider pepper jack cheese.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best for creaminess, but skim or a non-dairy milk like almond or cashew can also work well if you prefer a lighter option.
Butter and Flour: The combination is essential for creating a roux, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, olive oil and whole wheat flour are great substitutes.
How Do I Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce involves creating a roux and gradually adding milk. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles slightly—this is your roux!
- Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. This part is key; take your time!
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes). If it gets too thick, you can whisk in a splash more milk.
- Finally, lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
Just remember to keep stirring to prevent sticking—smooth sauce means no lumps! Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Paprika
- Fresh chives, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to cook, so you can have it ready in just about 35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means tender but still firm). When it’s done, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the flour. Using a whisk, stir the mixture constantly for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux (this is your base to thicken the sauce).
3. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually add the milk while whisking to make sure there are no lumps. Keep cooking and whisking frequently until the mixture thickens up nicely, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese:
Once the mixture is thick, lower the heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted and smooth—this is what makes it so cheesy!
5. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
Now, grab your blender or food processor and add the cottage cheese. Blend it until it’s smooth and creamy. This will add a nice texture to your mac and cheese.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
Stir the blended cottage cheese into the cheese sauce. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
7. Season It Up:
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Tweak the seasoning according to your taste to make it just right.
8. Mix in the Macaroni:
Finally, fold in the cooked macaroni gently with the cheese sauce until every piece is coated with that creamy goodness.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your decadent Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese to plates or a serving dish. Just before serving, sprinkle a bit of paprika and some fresh chopped chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, protein-packed Cottage Cheese Mac And Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shape like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this mac and cheese gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in with the cooked macaroni so they heat through with the cheese sauce.
