Easiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Heat oven to 375°F and position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven. Use one tablespoon butter to grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

If using cottage cheese, purée it in a blender, adding milk slowly until smooth. Blend in mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour into a large bowl.

If using sour cream or another cottage cheese substitute, whisk it with milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping and add the rest, along with the uncooked pasta, to the milk mixture, stirring to combine. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover the pan, stir gently (if desired), sprinkle with reserved cheese, and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, for another 30 minutes until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.