There’s never enough comfort food these days. So, on a recent dinner at my sweet neighbor’s home, I was introduced to one of their family favorites. Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese is a quick favorite that could be doubled, but If you have a small amount of people to feed, this is perfect! Evidently, this recipe has been out there for a while, but I’ve just discovered it. It’s never too late to try something new….or old.
Combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, Dijon, salt and pepper. Grate the cheese using a box grater or similar device. I prefer to grate the cheese instead of packaged shredded cheese since the cheese is coated with preservatives to prevent the shreds of cheese from sticking together. I was a bit late to discover this, but I’m doing my best to change my ways. Personally, I think the block cheese tastes better and has a fresher, creamier taste. Mix in the grated cheese to distribute evenly.
Rinse off the cooked macaroni with cool water and shake to remove excess water. Combine it with the mixture. Spoon it into a prepared small casserole dish.
If you desire a crispy topping, crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers and combine with a couple tablespoons of melted butter. Spread it on the top. You could also put another layer of cheese on top, or mix cheese with the crumb mixture if you desire the best of both worlds! Make it your own!
Bake it for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly. I couldn’t wait! The spoon delved into the hot cheesy goodness of this Deluxe Macaroni an Cheese and felted comforted with each mouthful!
If you like and can’t get enough mac n cheese, you may want to try some of my other versions.
Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 c dry macaroni (8 oz~1/2 of 1 pound box)
- 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese plus more for topping, if desired
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese (I used 2%.)
- 8 oz light sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 t salt
- 1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
- 1 t Dijon mustard
- extra sharp cheddar cheese for topping, if desired
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 T melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook macaroni about 1-2 minutes before al dente stage. Drain and spray off with cool water.
- Combine cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, pepper and Dijon mustard. Set aside.
- Mix macaroni with the combined ingredients.
- Spoon into a prepared casserole dish.
- Top with additional cheese or the Ritz cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter or maybe a combination of all of it! You decide your preference.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
