Creamy Dump-and-Bake Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Dump-and-Bake Macaroni and Cheese recipe. This dish requires no boiling, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With the perfect blend of creamy cottage cheese and sharp cheddar, each bite is a delightful explosion of cheesy goodness. Perfectly baked to a warm, comforting consistency, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. A special shoutout to my sister-in-law Candy for sharing this deliciously simple recipe that has become a family favorite!
8
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
boiling water
2 1/4 cups (boiling)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, cubed)
shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (sharp or mild, shredded)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
cottage cheese
1 lb (small curd or large curd)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3
In the baking dish, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed butter, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and salt.
4
Pour the boiling water over the mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to trap steam during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7
For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for an additional 2-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your creamy macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
0.625g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Dump-and-Bake Macaroni and Cheese?
It is a simple, one-dish comfort food recipe where uncooked macaroni is combined with cheeses, butter, and boiling water and baked without needing to pre-boil the pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Do I need to boil the macaroni before putting it in the oven?
No, the macaroni is added to the baking dish raw and uncooked.
What is the baking temperature for this dish?
The oven should be preheated and set to 375°F (190°C).
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild) and cottage cheese.
Can I use large curd cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use either small curd or large curd cottage cheese for this recipe.
How long does the macaroni and cheese need to bake?
The dish should be baked covered for 45 minutes, with an optional 2-5 minutes of broiling at the end.
Why do I need to use boiling water?
Boiling water provides the necessary heat and hydration to cook the raw pasta while it is in the oven.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?
Grease the baking dish with non-stick spray or butter before adding the ingredients.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of unsalted, cubed butter.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, the dish must be tightly sealed with aluminum foil to trap steam, which cooks the macaroni.
How many calories are in a serving of this mac and cheese?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How can I get a golden, crispy top on the macaroni?
Remove the foil after the initial 45 minutes of baking and place the dish under the broiler for an additional 2-5 minutes.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal because all ingredients are mixed and cooked in the same pan.
What are the nutritional macros for this recipe?
Per serving, it contains 11g of fat, 37.5g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
Can I add salt to this recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust this to your taste.
What is the texture of this macaroni and cheese?
It has a warm, comforting, and creamy consistency thanks to the blend of cottage cheese and melted cheddar.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells could work, though cooking times might vary slightly.
Is this recipe good for family gatherings?
Yes, it is an easy, large-batch option that is popular with both kids and adults.
Who originally shared this recipe?
This specific recipe was shared by the author's sister-in-law, Candy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best prepared just before baking so the pasta doesn't absorb too much liquid and become mushy before the heat is applied.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There is approximately 1.25g of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I freeze the cooked macaroni and cheese?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the creamy texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Can I add other ingredients like protein or vegetables?
Yes, you can easily stir in cooked ham, bacon, or peas before baking for more variety.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include comfort food, one dish meal, easy recipe, and dump and bake.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
No, the sugar content is very low, at approximately 0.625g per serving.