This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in beneath half-hour and is full of 22 grams of protein. It’s wealthy, creamy and the proper 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 tactics to make it a little bit lighter whereas nonetheless preserving that creamy, tacky goodness — and that’s precisely what this cottage cheese mac and cheese does!
Much like how I sneak in additional 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 preserving the sauce tremendous easy, creamy and flavorful. It’s severely SO good – I can’t wait so that you can do that 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 — without having heavy cream or butter.
- Straightforward to make – This recipe comes collectively in beneath half-hour with easy components that you simply most likely have already got available. Excellent for busy weeknights!
- Household-friendly – My kiddos wolfed up this mac & cheese, so I do know yours will too!
Elements Wanted
- elbow macaroni – traditional mac and cheese pasta! You need to 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 additional 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 need to use any milk you’ve available, however complete milk provides one of the best texture.
- arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce without having a roux. It’s an amazing 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 need to use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste in the event you like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts greatest and offers that traditional tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the complete ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
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 choose 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.
- Complete milk – I actually love utilizing complete milk on this recipe as a result of it makes the sauce additional creamy and wealthy, however in the event you don’t have any available, be happy to make use of no matter milk you’ve received. Almond, oat, or cashew milk work as a dairy-free choice, simply be certain that it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t end up too candy!
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – In case you don’t have both, you can also make a fast roux by whisking 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of butter. It’ll thicken up the sauce identical to the arrowroot or cornstarch would.
- Vegan – We’re utilizing loads of dairy on this recipe so in the event you’re extra serious about a vegan model I extremely suggest trying out my vegan mac & cheese!
Methods to Make Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
Making this mac & cheese is tremendous simple! Observe these 4 easy steps and also you’ll have a comforting meal on the desk very quickly:
Step 1: Cook dinner the pasta in response to bundle 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. Take pleasure in!
Brittany’s Tip
Grate your individual 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 value the additional couple of minutes, I promise.
Methods to Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and actually excellent by itself, however in the event you’re trying to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed below are some concepts:
- As a principal dish: I really like serving this as a whole meal, particularly with a easy aspect salad like my simple kale salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a good way to sneak in some additional greens!
- Add a enjoyable topping: Wish to take it up a notch? Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs for a little bit crunch, or drizzle with sizzling sauce in the event you like issues spicy. A little bit additional grated cheese by no means harm anybody both!
- Increase with protein: You may simply add some additional protein to make it extra filling. Strive mixing in shredded hen, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a straightforward strategy to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a aspect: In case you’re preserving it as a aspect dish, it pairs so effectively with baked or grilled proteins. I really like serving it with my grilled salmon or some air fryer hen wings—the proper consolation meal combo!
Storing Leftovers
When you have leftovers (which could be arduous to consider!), 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.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Nope! When you mix the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings, it turns into an excellent 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 a little bit thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a traditional alternative, you possibly can swap it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply be certain that to grate your individual for one of the best soften!
Positively! You may stir in cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for an additional nutrient enhance. It’s a straightforward approach so as to add some greens and shade to your mac and cheese!
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