This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in underneath 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 at all times on the hunt for tactics to make it somewhat lighter whereas nonetheless protecting 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 protecting 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 – Due to 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.
- Simple to make – This recipe comes collectively in underneath half-hour with easy components that you just in all probability have already got readily available. Good 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 entire 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.
- entire milk – helps create a creamy, wealthy sauce. You need to use any milk you’ve readily available, however entire milk provides 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 necessities that add simply the correct amount of taste to this mac and cheese.
- paprika – provides a contact of heat and colour to the sauce. You need to use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste if you happen to like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts finest and offers that traditional tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the complete ingredient checklist with measurements within the recipe card under.
Substitutions
- Elbow macaroni – You may completely change 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 drawback! 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 entire milk on this recipe as a result of it makes the sauce further creamy and wealthy, however if you happen to don’t have any readily available, be at liberty to make use of no matter milk you’ve acquired. Almond, oat, or cashew milk work as a dairy-free choice, simply make sure that it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t prove too candy!
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – When 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 similar to the arrowroot or cornstarch would.
- Vegan – We’re utilizing loads of dairy on this recipe so if you happen to’re extra curious about a vegan model I extremely advocate trying out my vegan mac & cheese!
Find out how 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. 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 value the additional jiffy, I promise.
Find out how to Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and truthfully excellent by itself, however if you happen to’re trying to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed below are some concepts:
- As a essential dish: I really like serving this as an entire meal, particularly with a easy aspect salad like my simple 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 if you happen to like issues spicy. A little bit further grated cheese by no means damage anybody both!
- Enhance with protein: You may simply add some further protein to make it extra filling. Attempt mixing in shredded hen, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a simple technique to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a aspect: When you’re protecting 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
You probably have leftovers (which is likely to be exhausting 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 high or within the microwave till warmed by.
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 somewhat thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a traditional selection, you possibly can change it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply make sure that 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 method so as to add some greens and colour to your mac and cheese!
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