Russian Macaroni
A hearty Russian-inspired casserole blending creamy sour cream, cottage cheese, vegetables, and pasta for a comforting, savory dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped and sautéed in butter ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 carrot, shredded ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover and cook in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
- Serve topped with chopped tomatoes and basil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-packaged coleslaw mix can replace the shredded cabbage and carrot. Adding some diced cooked chicken can also boost the protein content, appealing to those who enjoy heartier vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious served warm, topped with fresh chopped tomatoes and basil for a burst of flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a delightful dessert, consider serving alongside White Seafoam Candy for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russian Macaroni contains roughly 631 calories, with 37g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (158% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1093mg 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you do this, consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While this dish can be frozen, it may alter the texture of the sour cream and cottage cheese. If you decide to freeze it, use an airtight container and consume within 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven, as microwaving may further change the texture.
What can I use instead of caraway seeds?
If you don't have caraway seeds, consider using dill seeds or even a pinch of fennel seeds for a similar aromatic quality. Alternatively, you can simply omit them if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjusting spices is a great way to customize the dish to your taste.
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).