Mouth-watering Baked Macaroni Pie Recipe
Greetings fellow food lovers! Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to a scrumptious and hearty dish that is sure to tickle your taste buds – Baked Macaroni Pie with Cottage Cheese Recipe. This recipe has been passed down to me by my grandmother and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s a classic comfort food that will bring back fond memories of family dinners and cozy evenings at home.
Growing up, this dish was a staple in our household. It was served at nearly every family gathering, and we would often sneak into the kitchen for seconds, thirds, or maybe even fourth servings. The combination of tender elbow macaroni, tangy cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a delectable symphony of flavors that is impossible not to love.
As we all know, there are numerous variations of mac n’ cheese recipes out there. Some are creamy and indulgent while others veer towards the healthier side with added vegetables and whole-grain pasta. However, this recipe stands out because it is a true classic version that is simple to make but still delivers an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore why Baked Macaroni Pie with Cottage Cheese Recipe is one of the best comfort foods out there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe is undoubtedly one of the most mouth-watering dishes that you will ever taste. Why? Allow me to explain.
Firstly, it includes a perfect balance of creamy cottage cheese, tangy sour cream, and cheesy goodness in every bite. The combination of these ingredients works harmoniously together to create an explosion of flavors that’s undeniably satisfying to your taste buds.
Secondly, this recipe is genuinely versatile! The recipe can be easily customized with extra ingredients like crispy bacon or spicy chorizo to take the flavor profile up a notch, or you can swap out traditional elbow macaroni for penne pasta if you’d like a denser bite.
Thirdly, this dish is extremely easy to prepare; it requires only minimal time and effort to make it perfect. With a few simple steps, fresh ingredients, and less than an hour in the oven – voila! Ready-peasy comfort food.
Lastly, baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re entertaining friends and family or having a lazy day at home by yourself. It makes a fantastic appetizer and a hearty meal, with each slice packing in wholesome flavors that’ll leave you feeling completely satisfied.
Overall, this dish will not disappoint! Whether you’re into Southern-style baked mac or caribbean-inspired pie recipes, this dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking for a creamy and heartwarming meal. Get cooking today and let your taste buds do the rest of the talking!
Ingredient List
The ingredient list for this baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe is quite simple and includes items you may already have in your kitchen. You will need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup romano cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
In case you don’t have some of the items on this list, below are some common substitutions and variations you can try.
The Recipe How-To
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes.
- Once cooked, strain the macaroni into a colander and rinse it under cold water, then set it aside.
Preparing the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, then add in 1 cup of sour cream and mix well.
- Add in 2 cups of cottage cheese, 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of grated Romano cheese, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix all together until it becomes a smooth mixture.
Assembly and Baking
- Take an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Spread one-third of the cooked macaroni in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese mixture over the macaroni, then add another layer of macaroni.
- Repeat layers with the remaining cheese mixture and macaroni until they are finished.
- Sprinkle with a little extra grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the dish and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Resting and Serving
- Once finished cooking, let it cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving so you don’t burn your tongue!
- Serve piping hot with more fresh parsley as seasoning or any other topping you like on top like crispy bacon or croutons!
This macaroni pie recipe is great to serve at family gatherings or as a side dish to entrees like grilled chicken or steak!
Substitutions and Variations
Baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese is a recipe that offers a lot of room for creativity and personalization. If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to certain dietary restrictions, here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
– Cheese: Instead of using sharp cheddar and Romano cheese, try switching them out for other types of cheese like Pepper Jack or Gouda. Or, if you’re vegan, try using Daiya or Violife’s shredded cheese alternatives.
– Cottage Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese.
– Macaroni: You can swap the elbow macaroni with shells or penne to bring new texture to your dish.
– Creamy Mac: Add a can of evaporated milk in lieu of sour cream and cottage cheese — which will make your dish creamier and richer.
– No Boil: You can use no-boil lasagna noodles in place of the elbow macaroni too to create another variation!
– Caribbean Twist: If you’d like to stray from Americanized flavors, try adding some Trinidadian flair by making “Trinidad Macaroni Pie”. This entails adding pimento pepper sauce, paprika, caribbean green seasoning and breadcrumbs as a coating over the top of your pie.
These small tweaks can go a long way in elevating this classic baked mac and cheese recipe into new territory. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or whipping up a quick dinner on a weeknight, these substitutions and variations will provide delicious results every time.
Serving and Pairing
Once the baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese is ready, it’s time to serve and indulge in every delicious bite. This dish is perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner and can be paired with a range of side dishes. The hearty and filling nature of this recipe makes it an ideal option for when you need to feed a crowd, as it is sure to hit the spot.
For a complete meal, consider pairing the casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or even roasted vegetables such as broccoli or carrots. The acidity and freshness of the salad will balance out the cheesiness and richness of the main dish while adding some crunch and color to your plate.
In terms of drinks, this recipe works well with red wines such as Pinot Noir, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in the wine will help cut through the richness of the cheesy macaroni and elevate its flavor. Alternatively, a refreshing beer like an IPA could also be paired with this dish to add some bitterness and texture to complement the creaminess of the casserole.
If you’re serving the macaroni pie as an appetizer or side dish, it would go well with other finger-food style options such as garlic bread or bruschetta. These accompaniments complement the flavors in the casserole and make for great party foods.
Overall, this baked macaroni pie is a versatile dish that can be served for any occasion – whether it’s a comforting family dinner or a large gathering of friends. With its warm, cheesy goodness, everyone is sure to enjoy this classic comfort food recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. To make ahead, prepare the recipe as instructed and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the macaroni pie for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Storing leftovers is easy with this dish. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the macaroni mixture and prevent it from drying out. You can then reheat it in the microwave or oven until it’s heated through.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few things you should keep in mind. If using the microwave, be sure not to overheat as this can cause the cheese to become rubbery and unappetizing. It’s also important to use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or paper towel.
For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F and transfer the macaroni pie into an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. The time will depend on how much you’re reheating so keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, this recipe can be doubled or tripled easily to feed a crowd without much hassle. You can also get creative with different variations by adding additional ingredients like ground beef or chicken for added protein.
Overall, this baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe is perfect for meal prep and stress-free entertaining. So go ahead and make it ahead of time, store leftovers properly and reheat with confidence knowing that you’ll always have a delicious and satisfying meal at hand.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese comes out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, make sure to use freshly-grated cheese for the recipe. Sharp cheddar and romano cheese work exceptionally well in this dish, complementing the creaminess of the cottage cheese.
Secondly, when boiling the macaroni pasta, follow the instructions on the package and cook until it is al dente. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture and ruin the overall taste of your dish.
Thirdly, give careful attention to your measurements. Use exactly 1 cup of sour cream and 2 cups of cottage cheese. Too much or too little of these ingredients can alter the consistency and taste of your pie.
Fourthly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the recipe to your liking. For example, adding fresh parsley to the mixture can add a refreshing flavor.
Fifthly, consider making the recipe ahead of time for maximum flavor development. The dish can sit in the fridge overnight after baking and become even more flavorful upon reheating.
Finally, if you want to add some extra kick to your baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese, try incorporating some hot sauces or spices into the recipe. This will elevate its already delicious flavor profile and make for an unforgettable meal.
By keeping these tips in mind while preparing this dish, you’ll have a rich and flavorful baked pie that will captivate your family’s taste buds!
FAQ
As any recipe, it is common to have some questions and doubts before starting. Therefore, in this section, I will help you to clarify these issues so that you can focus on preparing this delicious baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe. So let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about this recipe.
Should you cover macaroni and cheese when baking in the oven?
When it comes to baked mac and cheese, there’s a decision to be made about using foil. While some individuals may prefer to cover their dish with foil to maintain warmth and creaminess, others choose to skip the foil to achieve a crispy layer on top of their mac and cheese.
Why does my baked mac and cheese come out dry?
When making a sauce or roux for macaroni and cheese, it’s important to maintain a proper balance of ingredients. To achieve a smooth and flavorful sauce, use equal amounts of butter and flour by weight. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in a floury taste and lumpy texture. Additionally, be careful not to reduce the sauce down too much, as this can lead to a dry mac and cheese dish. Keep the balance right and your mac and cheese will be creamy and delicious.
How do you make Paula Deen mac and cheese?
To get started, take a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add your macaroni and let it cook for six minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it to the side. Next, grab a medium-sized saucepan and mix together some butter and cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and blended in with the butter.
Afterward, grab a slow cooker and transfer the cheese mixture over to it. Start adding the remaining ingredients, like the sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed together well. Depending on your preference, you can choose to leave out the eggs mentioned in the original recipe.
Next step is to turn on your slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 2 ½ hours. Remember to stir everything occasionally during this time. Once everything has cooked thoroughly and is heated evenly, you can serve it up and enjoy the delicious taste.
Why is my baked mac n cheese not creamy?
When preparing macaroni and cheese, it is important to take certain factors into account to ensure that the dish turns out well. Inadequate use of cheese could lead to a non-creamy consistency, while omitting eggs when they are required could be another reason for this. Also, it’s important to take care not to add too much flour to the roux. Additionally, selecting the wrong pasta shape may also affect the outcome of your macaroni and cheese.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese recipe offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that make it a perfect addition to your recipe book. With its easy-to-follow steps, versatile ingredients and delicious taste, it is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Whether you are a fan of classic mac and cheese, or looking to try something new, this recipe will not disappoint. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks, but it can also be enjoyed as a comforting weekday meal. Plus, with its various substitutions and variations, you can customize it to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
So why not give this recipe a try? Follow the simple steps, pair it with some fresh parsley and romano cheese, and transport yourself to a world of cheesy goodness. You won’t regret it. From John Legend to Martha Stewart, many have fallen in love with baked macaroni pie with cottage cheese – now it’s time for you to join the club.
In the end, whether you are from Trinidad or Tennessee or anywhere in between, this dish has universal appeal that brings people together. And isn’t that what good food is all about? So go ahead and whip up a batch of this soul-warming macaroni pie with cottage cheese, and savor the comforting taste of home.
Baked Macaroni Pie With Cottage Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 lb cottage cheese
- 1 cup grated romano cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325*.
- In large bowl, beat eggs well. Mix in cheeses and parsley well. Stir in macaroni.
- Pour mixture into a generously greased 8" x 12" pyrex baking dish. Bake for 1 hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool at least 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese sauce to thicken slightly. May need to be seasoned with pepper just before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.