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–+ servings
ricotta baked macaroni and cheese recipe with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and whole milk ricotta.

Baked Ricotta Mac and Cheese

By: Kelly Jensen
This baked ricotta mac and cheese recipe is creamy, tangy, delicious, and SO simple to make! A fantastic comfort food dinner the whole family will love - loaded with cooked macaroni noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, and topped with extra cheddar.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 1-cup servings
Calories 661 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pot
  • 13 x 9 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces macaroni noodles 1 lb
  • 24 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions
 

  • Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, and rinse under cold water until mac has cooled.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In an extra large mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, eggs, 3.5 cups of the cheddar (reserve 1/2 cup for later), sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix the cheeses well until a thick and creamy sauce forms.
  • Add the cooked and cooled macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring each macaroni noodle is coated in the thick ricotta cheese sauce.
  • Pour the macaroni mixture into a large 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Top with a sprinkle of paprika and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven, and bake the macaroni and cheese for 35-40 minutes, until hot and bubbling. The top should just begin to brown and crisp. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Additions and Substitutions
  • If you want to use another noodle shape besides macaroni, there are plenty of great options! Use small or medium shells, ditalini, penne, or rotini.
  • Add in vegetables: 1 cup of frozen peas, chopped broccoli, baby spinach, sun dried tomatoes, or roasted red pepper would make fantastic additions!
  • Instead of cheddar cheese you can substitute a mac and cheese blend, or use half cheddar and half parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor!
  • Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy layer.

Nutrition

Calories: 661kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 687mgPotassium: 313mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1212IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 623mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Let us know how it was!