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Baked Mac and Cheese with Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese

This baked macaroni and cheese layers elbow pasta with tangy sour cream and rich cottage cheese for a plush, custard-like center and a golden, melty Cheddar crown. Each bite is ultra-cheesy with a gentle tang and cozy, nostalgic comfort—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a hearty side that eats like a main.

  • Prep15 mins
  • Cook50 mins
  • Serves12
  • DifficultyEasy
Baked Mac and Cheese with Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese
  1. 1

    Set the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.

  3. 3

    Set aside 1/2 cup of the shredded mild Cheddar cheese.

  4. 4

    Combine the remaining mild Cheddar cheese, the sharp Cheddar cheese, the sour cream, the cottage cheese, and the egg in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish; sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup mild Cheddar cheese.

  5. 5

    Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 40 minutes. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.