Classic Sharp Cheddar Mac & Cheese

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, making sure your oven rack is placed in the upper third. Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan with one tablespoon of unsalted butter.

2. Blend Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, dry mustard, ground cayenne, ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

3. Mix Cheese and Pasta

Reserve 1/4 cup of the grated Cheddar for later use. In a large bowl, mix together the remaining grated Cheddar, the blended milk mixture, and the uncooked elbow pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese mixture.

4. Initial Bake

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan with foil and place it in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.

5. Final Bake

Remove the foil, stir the pasta, and sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of grated Cheddar over the top. Dot the top with the remaining tablespoon of butter, then return the pan to the oven, uncovered. Continue baking for another 30 minutes until the cheese on top is richly browned and bubbly.

6. Cool and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and let the mac and cheese cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.