This Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe Casserole recipe is creamy, rich, and oven-baked with cottage cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar.

Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe Casserole

A spoonful of this casserole pulls up tender macaroni wrapped in a thick, creamy cheese filling, with little golden spots around the edges of the dish. This Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe Casserole recipe comes straight from the kind of old community cookbook where the best recipes were marked with handwritten notes and brought to every family gathering.

Cottage cheese and sour cream make it richer than ordinary baked macaroni and cheese, while sharp cheddar gives every bite a familiar, savory flavor. It is simple, filling, and just as comforting now as it was when the recipe was first shared.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich without making a cheese sauce: Everything is stirred together in one bowl before baking, so there is no flour-and-butter roux to prepare.
• Made with familiar ingredients: Macaroni, cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, and cheddar create a hearty casserole without anything complicated.
• Perfect for family dinners: It works as a meatless main dish or a comforting side for roasted chicken, meatloaf, or vegetables.
• A true vintage casserole: The creamy texture and paprika-dusted top have the unmistakable charm of an old-fashioned church-supper recipe.

Recipe Card Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 to 6
• Yield: One 2-quart casserole
• Recipe Style: Vintage
• Cooking Method: Oven-baked

Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• 1 package elbow macaroni, 8 ounces, about 2 cups dry
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 package sour cream, 8 ounces
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 8 ounces
• ¼ teaspoon paprika, or enough to lightly dust the top

The original recipe simply calls for “sharp cheese.” Sharp cheddar is the most natural choice because it gives the casserole plenty of flavor without needing extra seasoning.

Small-curd cottage cheese blends into the macaroni especially well. Large-curd cottage cheese can also be used, although the finished filling will have a slightly more noticeable texture.

How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe Casserole

1. Heat the oven and prepare the dish.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish so the macaroni does not stick around the bottom and edges.
2. Cook the macaroni.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until just tender.Avoid cooking it until very soft. The macaroni will continue cooking while the casserole bakes.
3. Drain and rinse.
   Pour the cooked macaroni into a colander. Briefly rinse it with cool water, as directed in the original recipe, then shake away as much excess water as possible.
4. Prepare the creamy cheese mixture.
   Place the cottage cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and shredded sharp cheddar in a large mixing bowl.Stir until the egg and sour cream are evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and a little lumpy from the cottage cheese, which is exactly how it should look.
5. Add the macaroni.
   Add the drained macaroni to the cheese mixture. Fold everything together until the macaroni is thoroughly coated and there are no dry pockets at the bottom of the bowl.
6. Fill the casserole dish.
   Spoon the macaroni mixture into the prepared 2-quart casserole dish. Spread it into an even layer without pressing it down too firmly.
7. Add the paprika.
   Sprinkle the top lightly with paprika. It adds a touch of color and gives the finished casserole that classic vintage appearance.
8. Bake.
   Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes. The casserole should be hot throughout, set around the center, and lightly golden near the edges.
9. Let it rest before serving.
   Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. This short rest helps the creamy filling settle, making the casserole easier to scoop.

Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips

Do not overcook the macaroni

Cook the pasta only until it is just tender. Overcooked macaroni may become too soft after spending another 45 minutes in the oven.

Shred the cheese from a block

Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than many packaged shredded cheeses. Pre-shredded cheese is still convenient and will work, but the filling may be slightly less creamy.

Cottage cheese substitutions

Full-fat cottage cheese gives this old-fashioned macaroni casserole its richest texture. Reduced-fat cottage cheese may be used, but fat-free cottage cheese can make the filling watery or less satisfying.

Ricotta can replace the cottage cheese in the same amount. The result will be smoother and slightly denser than the original casserole.

Make it ahead

Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it without baking.

Let the chilled casserole stand at room temperature while the oven heats. It may require an additional 5 to 10 minutes of baking time.

Storing leftovers

Cover leftover macaroni and cheese or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot. For a larger portion, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven. Add a small spoonful of milk or sour cream if the macaroni seems dry.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen, although cottage cheese and sour cream may become slightly grainy after thawing. For the best texture, enjoy it freshly baked or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this macaroni casserole use cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese gives the casserole extra protein, richness, and a creamy texture without requiring a cooked cheese sauce. It also helps the filling stay soft instead of becoming dry during baking.

Do I need to rinse the macaroni?

The vintage recipe specifically instructs the cook to rinse the macaroni. A quick rinse cools the pasta and keeps it from continuing to cook before it is mixed with the egg and dairy ingredients.

Do not soak the macaroni or leave it wet. Drain it thoroughly before adding it to the cheese mixture.

Can I add more cheese on top?

Yes. Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar over the casserole before adding the paprika. This creates a cheesier, lightly browned top, although the original recipe mixes all the cheese into the filling.

What should I serve with this casserole?

Serve it with green beans, steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad. It also makes a cozy side dish for baked chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, or holiday ham.

A Classic Casserole Worth Saving

This is the sort of recipe that deserves a permanent place in the family recipe box—simple ingredients, one mixing bowl, and a warm casserole bubbling in the oven. Serve it while the edges are still golden and the center is soft and creamy, just like the old-fashioned version was meant to be.

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