ingredients

• 1  7.25-ounce package  macaroni and cheese dinner mix
• 1-1/2  cups  cubed cooked ham or chopped cooked chicken
• 1-1/2  cups  shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
• 1  cup  cream-style cottage cheese
• 1/2  cup  sour cream
• 1/2  cup  chopped onion
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground black pepper
• 1/4  cup  soft bread crumbs
• 1  tablespoon  snipped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
• 1  tablespoon  butter, melted

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare macaroni and cheese mix according to package directions, except do not add salt to water. Stir in ham, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, the cottage cheese, sour cream, onion, and pepper. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

2. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and, if desired, parsley; stir in melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.

3. Bake, uncovered, about 30 minutes or until mixture is heated through and crumbs are golden. Makes 4 servings.