Description
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is a nostalgic twist on a classic comfort food that combines creamy cottage cheese with sharp cheddar for an indulgent yet nutritious dish. This delightful recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a satisfying crunch from the panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this mac and cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour for about one minute until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, mixing until melted.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg