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Comforting Mac and Cheese Recipe That Will Melt Your Heart

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A creamy, nostalgic mac and cheese recipe combining sharp cheddar and cottage cheese with a hint of nutmeg and Dijon mustard for a comforting, soul-soothing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained (about 8 ounces)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • A pinch (⅛ teaspoon) nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • Optional toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden and nutty-smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of warm whole milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook and stir until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat. Add more reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Optional: Transfer to a greased oven-safe dish. Mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  8. Let sit a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Melt cheese gently over low heat to keep sauce smooth. Let mac and cheese rest a few minutes before serving to thicken. Optional baking step adds a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, sharp cheddar, cottage cheese, easy dinner, creamy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/comforting-mac-and-cheese-recipe-that-will-melt-your-heart/