Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) ziti or small tube pasta3 cups 4% cottage cheese1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided1/2 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon white pepper1/4 teaspoon garlic salt3 cups half-and-half cream1 cup whole milk4 cups shredded cheddar cheese1 cup crumbled cooked bacon, divided1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place cottage cheese in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and garlic salt until smooth. Gradually add cream and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened.
Drain macaroni; transfer to a large bowl. Add cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, white sauce and 3/4 cup bacon; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. (Dish will be full.) Melt remaining butter. Add bread crumbs; toss to coat. Sprinkle over casserole.
Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Bake 5 minutes or until bubbly.
