Mac and cheese has been a beloved comfort food for generations, but what if you could make it even better? Enter cottage cheese! It adds a creamy texture and boosts the protein content, making your favorite dish not only tastier but also healthier. This ultimate cottage cheese mac and cheese recipe will quickly become your go-to for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
Why Cottage Cheese in Mac and Cheese?
You might be wondering why we’re adding cottage cheese to the classic mac and cheese recipe. Here’s the secret: cottage cheese brings an extra level of creaminess while also boosting the protein, making this dish a healthier option for your family. It blends perfectly into the sauce, giving you a rich, velvety texture without overpowering the traditional cheesy flavor. Plus, cottage cheese is a great way to reduce the fat content compared to using only heavy cream or full-fat cheese.
How to Make the Ultimate Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Making cottage cheese mac and cheese is easy and straightforward. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish on the table in under an hour. Let’s get started!
The Ultimate Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (any type)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cheeses – Stir in the cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine – Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Bake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve – Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
This recipe gives you all the comfort of classic mac and cheese but with a healthy twist. The cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess without sacrificing flavor, making it a great option for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to make, versatile, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this cottage cheese mac and cheese is sure to be a hit.
Thank you, love it
This was a hit with the whole family. Even my picky cousin who only eats plain pasta loved it!
I made this for my cousins and they all devoured it. So happy it actually worked out!
I love how I can eat mac and cheese without feeling bad about it. Cottage cheese really gives it a nice twist!
I was worried about the cottage cheese, but it was actually super good and healthy. Plus, my little sister didn’t even notice!
I was kinda shocked at how good this was for you! Felt healthy but still tasted like mac and cheese, so I’m sold.
I’m usually bad at cooking, but this was pretty easy. My friends even liked it, which is a huge win!
I made this after school because I was starving, and it was ready in no time! I’m so happy with how it turned out
Super easy to make! I’m not really a cook, but this was so simple, and it tasted amazing. Will definitely do it again.
I wasn’t sure about the cottage cheese, but it turned out so good! Definitely a keeper for dinner.
Honestly, this is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever made! Cottage cheese made it taste soooo creamy.
This was actually pretty good! My family loved it, but I think I’ll add a bit more cheese next time.
I didn’t think cottage cheese would work in mac and cheese, but wow, it was SO creamy and good! Totally making this again.
I usually mess up easy recipes, but this was too simple. I was surprised how good it turned out!
Literally took like 20 minutes to make, and it was soooo good! Perfect for when I’m starving after school.
This was so easy to make! I’m not the best cook, but I nailed it, and it was super quick. Definitely doing this again!
I’m blown away by how simple and flavorful this recipe is. Perfect for family dinners!
I’ve tried so many mac and cheese recipes, but this one with cottage cheese is by far the best!
This is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich, cheesy, and so easy to make. Loved it!
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