This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in below half-hour and is full of 22 grams of protein. It’s wealthy, creamy and the right family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Mac and cheese is a favourite consolation meals traditional for me. I really like actual deal mac and cheese, however I’m all the time on the hunt for methods to make it somewhat lighter whereas nonetheless conserving that creamy, tacky goodness — and that’s precisely what this cottage cheese mac and cheese does!
Much like how I sneak in further vitamins in my vegan mac and cheese, cauliflower mac and cheese and butternut squash mac and cheese, this model provides cottage cheese so as to add a lift of protein whereas conserving the sauce tremendous easy, creamy and flavorful. It’s significantly SO good – I can’t wait so that you can do this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed – Because of the cottage cheese, this mac and cheese has 22 grams of protein per serving, making it a extra filling than conventional mac and cheese.
- Tremendous creamy – Mixing the cottage cheese with milk and cheddar cheese creates a velvety, creamy sauce that coats the pasta completely — with no need heavy cream or butter.
- Straightforward to make – This recipe comes collectively in below half-hour with easy substances that you simply most likely have already got available. Excellent for busy weeknights!
- Household-friendly – My kiddos devoured up this mac & cheese, so I do know yours will too!
Components Wanted
- elbow macaroni – traditional mac and cheese pasta! You should use complete wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to change issues up if wanted.
- cottage cheese – full-fat cottage cheese is vital right here for further creaminess and protein. Don’t fear, it blends easily into the sauce and also you received’t even comprehend it’s there.
- complete milk – helps create a creamy, wealthy sauce. You should use any milk you have got available, however complete milk offers one of the best texture.
- arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce with no need a roux. It’s a terrific trick to maintain issues lighter!
- garlic & onion powder – two prerequisites that add simply the correct amount of taste to this mac and cheese.
- paprika – provides a contact of heat and shade to the sauce. You should use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste when you like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts finest and provides that traditional tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the complete ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Elbow macaroni – You may completely swap up the pasta form! Shells, penne, and even gluten-free or chickpea pasta work nice right here. Simply decide your favourite, and it’ll nonetheless be scrumptious.
- Cottage cheese – Not a fan of cottage cheese? No downside! You may sub in ricotta and even Greek yogurt for the same creamy texture. It received’t change the general taste an excessive amount of, however you’ll nonetheless get that protein enhance.
- Entire milk – I actually love utilizing complete milk on this recipe as a result of it makes the sauce further creamy and wealthy, however when you don’t have any available, be happy to make use of no matter milk you’ve bought. Almond, oat, or cashew milk work as a dairy-free possibility, simply ensure it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t prove too candy!
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – For those who don’t have both, you may make a fast roux by whisking 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of butter. It’ll thicken up the sauce similar to the arrowroot or cornstarch would.
- Vegan – We’re utilizing loads of dairy on this recipe so when you’re extra inquisitive about a vegan model I extremely suggest trying out my vegan mac & cheese!
Learn how to Make Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
Making this mac & cheese is tremendous straightforward! Observe these 4 easy steps and also you’ll have a comforting meal on the desk very quickly:
Step 1: Prepare dinner the pasta based on package deal instructions. Drain and put aside.
Step 2: Mix cottage cheese, milk, cheddar, arrowroot powder, and spices till easy.
Step 3: Warmth the cheese sauce in a skillet over medium-low, whisking for 8-10 minutes till it thickens barely.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken earlier than serving. Get pleasure from!
Brittany’s Tip
Grate your personal cheese! I do know it’s tempting to seize the pre-shredded stuff, however belief me, freshly grated cheddar melts so a lot better. It’s price the additional couple of minutes, I promise.
Learn how to Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and actually good by itself, however when you’re seeking to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed here are some concepts:
- As a important dish: I really like serving this as an entire meal, particularly with a easy aspect salad like my straightforward kale salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s an effective way to sneak in some further greens!
- Add a enjoyable topping: Need to take it up a notch? Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs for somewhat crunch, or drizzle with scorching sauce when you like issues spicy. Somewhat further grated cheese by no means damage anybody both!
- Increase with protein: You may simply add some further protein to make it extra filling. Attempt mixing in shredded rooster, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a simple method to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a aspect: For those who’re conserving it as a aspect dish, it pairs so nicely with baked or grilled proteins. I really like serving it with my grilled salmon or some air fryer rooster wings—the right consolation meal combo!
Storing Leftovers
When you have leftovers (which is perhaps onerous to imagine!), retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to assist loosen the sauce and get it creamy once more. Gently reheat on the range prime or within the microwave till warmed by way of.
Regularly Requested Questions
Nope! When you mix the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings, it turns into a brilliant easy and creamy sauce. You received’t even comprehend it’s there, promise!
You may, however I like to recommend utilizing full-fat cottage cheese for one of the best creamy texture and taste. Low-fat variations will work, however the sauce could also be somewhat thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a traditional alternative, you may swap it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply ensure to grate your personal for one of the best soften!
Undoubtedly! You may stir in cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for an additional nutrient enhance. It’s a simple means so as to add some greens and shade to your mac and cheese!
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