No-Boil Mac and Cheese That Comes Out Creamy Every Time Recipe
This no-boil mac and cheese recipe delivers a creamy, comforting dish every time without the hassle of pre-cooking pasta. Blended with cottage cheese and a blend of sharp and mild cheddar, it bakes to golden perfection, making it an easy and delicious meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided (softened)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, grated
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 8 ounces elbow pasta (uncooked)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF and generously butter a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Blend Sauce Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine 1 tablespoon of softened butter, cottage cheese, whole milk, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Then, add all but 1/4 cup of the grated sharp and mild cheddar cheeses and pulse a few times to evenly incorporate without over-blending.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cheese mixture into a large bowl and stir in the uncooked elbow pasta until well coated. Pour this mixture into the prepared buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This time allows the pasta to cook through and absorb the creamy sauce without needing to boil beforehand.
- Top and Bake Uncovered: Carefully remove the foil, stir the mac and cheese to redistribute, then sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup cheese over the top. Dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set and enhances the creamy texture when served.
Notes
- Using cottage cheese in the sauce adds extra creaminess and protein.
- Do not boil the pasta; the baking process cooks it thoroughly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Let the dish rest before serving to avoid a runny texture.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
