Kathy'S Macaroni And Cheese
Kathy's Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful baked casserole combining tender pasta, sour cream, cottage cheese, and a cheesy topping, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until tender, then drain.
- Mix together sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of shredded cheese into the macaroni mixture before baking. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute low-fat versions of sour cream and cottage cheese. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme can enhance the flavor. For a spicy kick, adjust the Tabasco sauce to your taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Josie's Bread Pudding for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kathy's Macaroni and Cheese as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with grilled meats or a Vegetable Combo for a vegetarian option. For a festive touch, consider serving with Marbled Cheesecake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathy'S Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 216 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1107mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free macaroni for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free macaroni. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times. This way, you can enjoy a delicious mac and cheese that fits dietary needs.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little bit of vinegar for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a dash of balsamic vinegar can also work well to add depth to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).