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Serving bowl of crockpot cottage cheese mac and cheese with parsley garnish.

Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

This Crockpot Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese is the ultimate cozy dinner for busy nights. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein from the cottage cheese. A kid-friendly, dump-and-go comfort meal that’s perfect for back-to-school dinners, fall evenings, or easy meal prep.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly grease your crockpot insert.
  • Add uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar, cottage cheese, milk, cream cheese, all seasonings, and butter. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring once about halfway through.
  • Note: If the pasta still looks dry at the halfway point, stir in up to ½ cup more milk or hot water. Slow cookers and pasta brands can vary in how much liquid is absorbed.
  • Check for doneness around the 2-hour mark. Pasta should be tender and the sauce creamy.
  • Give it a final stir, then serve hot. Top with extra cheddar or crushed red pepper before serving.

Notes

  • If the pasta still looks dry at the halfway point, stir in up to ½ cup more milk or hot water. Slow cookers and pasta brands can vary in how much liquid is absorbed.
  • Let the mac and cheese sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken naturally.
  • Use freshly grated cheddar for the smoothest texture and best melt.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Taste and adjust salt before serving; seasoning will depend on the saltiness of your cheese.
  • For more depth of flavor, you can stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, or 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan.
  • Cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar on top make great finishing touches.

Nutrition

Calories: 595kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 329mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 863IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 382mg | Iron: 1mg
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