Baked Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

By mamapig

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)
• 2 cup milk (not skim)
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• Pinch cayenne
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 lb elbow pasta, uncooked.

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 375° and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan

In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve ¼ cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes

Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving

Notes:
cadiejill 1 year ago
This is now my go-to Mac & Cheese, with only one alteration to the recipe as published. Omit the added salt. It was way too salty with it. Here is a helpful hint: if you combine all ingredients in your baking dish in the morning, and let it sit in the fridge during the day, it will cook in half the time.
Reply 230This is helpful

Veronica 1 year ago
Today was the second time I made this dish. The first time, it came out dry. My kids loved it, but I was left disappointed because it was not creamy as expected. This second time, I par cooked the pasta and cooled it before adding it to the liquid. I didn't bake it for another 30 min. II baked it for 15 minutes. This time it turned out creamy. I believe that cooking the pasta just a little before combining cut the thirst of the pasta & minimized the amount of liquid it absorbed.
Reply 164This is helpful

mjan 1 year ago
The more aged the cheese, the drier it will be. You need to use a moister (i.e. younger) cheddar for a creamier result.

Pam 11 months ago
Be sure to put a sheet pan under this to catch any spills.
Reply 89This is helpful