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Creamy Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe with Sour Cream Made Easy

Creamy Million Dollar Mac and Cheese with Sour Cream - featured image
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A rich and creamy mac and cheese recipe featuring a unique blend of sour cream and cottage cheese for a silky, tangy, and indulgent comfort food experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy solo meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly nutty and bubbling but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups warmed whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir the blended sour cream and cottage cheese mixture into the sauce until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until cheeses melt completely.
  7. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece is coated and glossy.
  8. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika for color and subtle smokiness.
  9. Transfer mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  11. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash of milk to loosen. Watch breadcrumbs during baking to avoid burning; tent with foil if browning too fast. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. Let mac and cheese rest after baking to thicken and improve flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, sour cream mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-million-dollar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-sour-cream-made-easy/