This cottage cheese mac and cheese cooks up in below half-hour and is filled with 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 basic for me. I really like actual deal mac and cheese, however I’m at all times on the hunt for methods to make it a bit of lighter whereas nonetheless retaining 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 retaining the sauce tremendous clean, creamy and flavorful. It’s significantly 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 — while not having heavy cream or butter.
- Simple to make – This recipe comes collectively in below half-hour with easy substances that you simply in all probability have already got available. Excellent for busy weeknights!
- Household-friendly – My kiddos devoured up this mac & cheese, so I do know yours will too!
Elements Wanted
- elbow macaroni – basic mac and cheese pasta! You should use entire wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to modify issues up if wanted.
- cottage cheese – full-fat cottage cheese is essential right here for additional creaminess and protein. Don’t fear, it blends easily into the sauce and also you received’t even realize it’s there.
- entire milk – helps create a creamy, wealthy sauce. You should use any milk you’ve available, however entire milk provides the very best texture.
- arrowroot powder or cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce while not having a roux. It’s an ideal 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 coloration to the sauce. You should use smoked paprika for an additional layer of taste in the event you like!
- cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar cheese melts finest and provides that basic tacky taste. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t soften as easily.
Discover the total ingredient record with measurements within the recipe card beneath.
Substitutions
- Elbow macaroni – You possibly can 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 possibly can 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 additional creamy and wealthy, however in the event you don’t have any 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 be sure that it’s unsweetened so the sauce doesn’t end up 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 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 advocate trying out my vegan mac & cheese!
The right way 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 in accordance with package deal instructions. Drain and put aside.
Step 2: Mix cottage cheese, milk, cheddar, arrowroot powder, and spices till clean.
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 personal cheese! I do know it’s tempting to seize the pre-shredded stuff, however belief me, freshly grated cheddar melts so significantly better. It’s price the additional couple of minutes, I promise.
The right way to Serve Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, cozy, and truthfully excellent by itself, however in the event you’re seeking to combine issues up or serve it as a part of a meal, listed below are some concepts:
- As a foremost 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 additional greens!
- Add a enjoyable topping: Need to take it up a notch? Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch, or drizzle with sizzling sauce in the event you like issues spicy. A bit of additional grated cheese by no means damage anybody both!
- Enhance with protein: You possibly can simply add some additional protein to make it extra filling. Strive mixing in shredded rooster, crispy tempeh, and even crumbled turkey sausage. It’s a straightforward solution to flip this mac and cheese right into a heartier meal.
- Function a aspect: For those who’re retaining 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
In case you have leftovers (which could be onerous 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.
Continuously Requested Questions
Nope! When you mix the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings, it turns into a brilliant clean and creamy sauce. You received’t even realize it’s there, promise!
You possibly can, however I like to recommend utilizing full-fat cottage cheese for the very best creamy texture and taste. Low-fat variations will work, however the sauce could also be a bit of thinner and fewer wealthy.
Completely! Whereas cheddar is a basic alternative, you possibly can swap it up with different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, and even a mixture of your favorites. Simply be sure that to grate your personal for the very best soften!
Positively! You possibly can stir in cooked veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas for an additional nutrient enhance. It’s a straightforward method so as to add some greens and coloration to your mac and cheese!
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