A rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish with a golden breadcrumb topping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and garlic powder until smooth.
Use a whisk for a smoother mixture.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Grate the cheese yourself for better melting.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and add to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Use a spatula to scrape all the mixture into the dish.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top, followed by a dusting of paprika.
Mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter for extra crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is heated through.
Check at 25 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked macaroni and cheese!
Cooling helps the cheese set for easier serving.
