Best 15 Mac Cheese Casserole Recipes

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Are you looking for a palatable dish to serve your family and friends during dinner parties or casual gatherings? Macaroni and cheese casserole is a classic comfort food that is easy to prepare and loved by people of all ages. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and flavorful blend of spices, this dish is sure to be a hit. Whether you prefer a simple recipe or one with additional ingredients like ham, bacon, or vegetables, there's a mac cheese casserole variation that will satisfy your taste buds. So, put on your apron and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best mac cheese casserole recipe that will tantalize your taste buds!

Here are our top 15 tried and tested recipes!

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt, as needed, plus 1/2 teaspoon
1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
Vegetable oil spray
1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, plus 1/2 cup for topping the casserole
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt.
  • Spray the baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
  • Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and pat between several layers of paper towels to dry. Transfer the cauliflower to the baking dish and set aside.
  • Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan, and whisk in the cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese, salt, pepper and garlic and whisk just until the cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, pour over the cauliflower, and stir to combine. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake until browned and bubbly hot, about 15 minutes. Serve.

MAC AND CHEESE DOG CASSEROLE



Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole image

You won't get this at any ballpark!

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings (4 huge, 6 normal)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound elbow macaroni
Salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 package beef or pork hot dogs, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all- purpose flour
1/2 cup beer, 1/3 of a bottle - whatever you have on hand, chicken broth can be substituted
2 cups milk
Pepper
1 rounded tablespoon spicy mustard
2 rounded tablespoons ketchup
3 cups yellow sharp Cheddar, shredded, divided (Buy preshredded cheese. You will need 1 1/2 sacks of 10-ounce packages.)

Steps:

  • Boil a large pot of water for macaroni. Salt water and under cook macaroni, cook about 7 minutes until just under al dente in doneness.
  • Preheat broiler and set rack 12 inches from heat.
  • While pasta works, heat a large deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, then add hot dogs and brown on both sides, 4 minutes total. Remove the dogs with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Add another tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, and the butter. When butter melts, cook onions 4 to 5 minutes, then add flour and cook another minute. Add beer and cook off completely, 1 minute. Whisk in milk and bring to a bubble, then season the sauce with salt and pepper and stir in the mustard and ketchup. Lower heat and add 2 cups of the cheese. Stir to melt, 1 minute. Adjust mustard, ketchup, and salt and pepper, to your taste.
  • Drain pasta well. Combine pasta and hot dogs with sauce and coat evenly then pour into large casserole and top with remaining cheese. Melt and brown cheese under broiler, 2 minutes. Serve.

BAKED TOMATO MAC N CHEESE CASSEROLE



Baked Tomato Mac n Cheese Casserole image

Kids and adults will find this mac-n-cheese recipe to be delicious and a bit different. Tomatoes give the sauce a slight pinkish color and a flavor that is hard to top.

Provided by Goodfella

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (28 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
6 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
1 quart half-and-half
2 cups chicken broth
4 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 sleeve buttery round crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain, return macaroni to pot, and stir tomatoes into the macaroni. Cook over medium heat until the macaroni absorbs some of the liquid from the tomatoes, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir flour into melted butter and cook until bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly stream half-and-half and chicken broth into the butter mixture while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook while stirring continually until thickened and bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove saucepan from heat. Melt mild Cheddar cheese and sharp Cheddar cheese into the butter mixture one handful at a time, stirring to incorporate each addition before adding the next. Season the cheese mixture with pepper and pour over the macaroni; stir to coat pasta evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with crushed crackers.
  • Bake in preheated oven until crust is golden brown and the liquid is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 889 calories, Carbohydrate 62.6 g, Cholesterol 156.3 mg, Fat 55.4 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 34.1 g, SaturatedFat 32.9 g, Sodium 922.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

CAULIFLOWER "MAC 'N' CHEESE" CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

This gluten-free dish offers all the melty goodness of a mac 'n' cheese dinner, without the carb-heavy pasta. A dash of curry powder adds a gentle hint of spice that makes this a freezer dinner the whole family can get excited about. Make a double batch and freeze an extra for an emergency dinner that's actually delicious.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Freezer Food     Macaroni and Cheese     Cauliflower     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Cheese     Milk/Cream     Dinner     Vegetarian     Cheese Week

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 cups coarsely chopped cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 ounces mozzarella, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups)
6 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1 1/4 cup), plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives (optional)
Special Equipment
1 (2-quart) or 4 (2-cup) freezer-to-oven-safe baking dishes

Steps:

  • Toss cauliflower and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce plastic with a knife a few times to vent, and microwave on high 10 minutes. Carefully remove plastic and transfer cauliflower to a colander. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, cook milk, cream cheese, curry powder, mustard, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Add cauliflower and toss to combine. Add mozzarella and 6 oz. cheddar and toss to combine-mixture should be cool enough so cheese doesn't melt. Transfer cauliflower mixture to freezer-to-oven-safe baking dish or dishes.
  • If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole until heated through and just beginning to bubble, about 45 minutes for large dish, or about 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
  • If freezing to bake later, cover dish with an airtight lid or double layer of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. To cook, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole 45 minutes for large dish, or 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and stir well with a rubber spatula. Continue to bake, uncovered, until just bubbling and heated through, 10-15 minutes more. Sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
  • To cook individually portioned frozen casseroles in the microwave, partially cover and microwave on high 4 minutes. Uncover, stir, and microwave at 1-minute intervals until heated through, 4-5 minutes more.
  • Top with chives, if using, before serving.
  • Do Ahead
  • Casserole(s) can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.

MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE WITH IMITATION CRAB



Mac and Cheese Casserole with Imitation Crab image

I made this recipe at home and have loved it ever since.

Provided by ian

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup rotini pasta
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup imitation crabmeat, diced
½ cup milk
¼ teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
⅛ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add condensed soup, Cheddar cheese, imitation crab, milk, seafood seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and pepper to rotini; mix ingredients together. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
  • Mix bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbs are moist; spread evenly over the casserole mixture.
  • Cook in the preheated oven until bubbly and topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 369.6 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 54 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 1023.6 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

EASY MAC AND CHEESE VEGGIE CHICKEN CASSEROLE FROM COUNTRY CROCK®



Easy Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole from Country Crock® image

Cooked pasta is combined with cheese, diced cooked chicken, and veggies then popped in the oven for a quick, family-pleasing, one-dish dinner.

Provided by Country Crock®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Country Crock®

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, melted, divided
1 cup 2% milk
8 ounces dry rotini pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups diced cooked chicken
4 cups assorted frozen vegetables, thawed
2 ¼ cups finely shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine 3 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, milk, rotini, chicken, vegetables and cheddar cheese in 8-inch baking dish.
  • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and remaining Spread in small bowl; sprinkle over top of casserole.
  • Bake until heated through and crumbs are toasted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.7 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 466.4 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

HAM, BROCCOLI, MAC 'N CHEESE CASSEROLE



Ham, Broccoli, Mac 'n Cheese Casserole image

I had some leftover bits and pieces, and I wanted to clean out the " Fridge ". So, I mixed them all together and came up with this recipe. If you try this, change the amounts of seasonings according to your tastes. Serves 6 with a side salad.

Provided by Chef shapeweaver

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked pasta, I used rotini
10 ounces of chopped broccoli, thawed
2 tablespoons stick margarine
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2-2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces of diced cooked ham
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions on pasta box.
  • Drain, but do not rinse.
  • In same pan that you cooked the pasta in, add margarine and onion.
  • Cook until onion is slightly softened, add flour and stir until well combined.
  • Add milk a little at a time, until slightly thickened, you might not need all the milk.
  • Then add dry mustard,cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add up to 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until melted.
  • Add pasta back to cheese mixture, stir until well combined.
  • Then stir in broccoli and diced ham.
  • Place into a greased 2 quart baking dish.
  • Sprinkle top with remaining cheese, and bake in a pre heated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.

LOW CARB MAC AND CHEESE DOG CASSEROLE



Low Carb Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole image

Make and share this Low Carb Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mimi Bobeck

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb low-carb elbow macaroni (recommend Dreamfields Pasta)
salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 (12 ounce) package beef hot dogs (Can use TOFU PUPS to make this Vegetarian) or 1 (12 ounce) package pork hot dogs, chopped into 1-inch pieces (Can use TOFU PUPS to make this Vegetarian)
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup low carb beer, 1/3 of a bottle whatever you have on hand
2 cups milk
pepper
1 tablespoon spicy mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 cups yellow sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (Buy preshredded cheese. You will need 1 1/2 sacks of 10-ounce packages.)

Steps:

  • Boil a large pot of water for macaroni. Salt water and under cook macaroni, cook about 7 minutes until just under al dente in doneness.
  • Preheat broiler and set rack 12 inches from heat.
  • While pasta works, heat a large deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, then add hot dogs and brown on both sides, 4 minutes total. Remove the dogs with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Add another tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, and the butter. When butter melts, cook onions 4 to 5 minutes, then add flour and cook another minute. Add beer and cook off completely, 1 minute. Whisk in milk and bring to a bubble, then season the sauce with salt and pepper and stir in the mustard and ketchup. Lower heat and add 2 cups of the cheese. Stir to melt, 1 minute. Adjust mustard, ketchup, and salt and pepper, to your taste.
  • Drain pasta well. Combine pasta and hot dogs with sauce and coat evenly then pour into large casserole and top with remaining cheese. Melt and brown cheese under broiler, 2 minutes. Serve.

REDNECK MAC 'N CHEESE CASSEROLE



Redneck Mac 'n Cheese Casserole image

This recipe intrigued us ... would we like the pimentos and onion? We loved it! This is not your typical mac and cheese. It's rich and creamy from the cream of mushroom/mayo mixture. Pimentos and onions add tons of flavor. Make sure to add the Ritz crackers with the cheese - it's a delicious topping. If you want something...

Provided by Cheryl Kemptner

Categories     Side Casseroles

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can(s) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c milk
1 c mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1 Lg. jar(s) (or 2 small jars) pimento, diced (do not drain); to those of you that say, "I don't like pimento," the taste is mild and fantastic in this dish. Frankly, I don't care for pimento either, but in this dish it just works!
3 Tbsp onions, chopped small (I have also used dried onions in a pinch)
salt to taste and lots of black pepper
8-16 oz cheese, sharp cheddar - grated - (if i'm not using the ritz crackers on the top, i use 16 oz and save about 1/2 for the top)
2 c Ritz cracker crumbs (really good addition, but you can omit and just put grated cheese on top before cooking)

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Cook macaroni according to directions, drain and set aside.
  • 2. In large bowl mix cream of mushroom soup w/ 1/2 cup milk.
  • 3. Save some grated cheese for the top. Except Ritz crackers, macaroni, and cheese for top, add all other ingredients. Mix well by hand.
  • 4. Add cooked macaroni.
  • 5. Lightly stir until all macaroni is coated.
  • 6. Pour into 9 x 13 casserole dish.
  • 7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  • 8. Add Ritz cracker crumbs if you wish. (Makes it really good!)
  • 9. Cook at 375° till it bubbles about 25-35 minutes.

LOW CARB HAM MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Low Carb Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by aerin8

Number Of Ingredients 13

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Cooking oil spray
Kosher salt for water
1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets and pieces
3 ⁄4 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 1⁄2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 ⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus 1⁄2 cup more for topping the casserole
6 ounces baked ham, cubed
8 x 8 inch oven-proof casserole dish

Steps:

  • Place the rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 375°F Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Spray the casserole dish with cooking oil. Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water for about 5 minutes until crisp yet tender. Drain well, pat between layers of paper towels to dry and transfer to the baking dish. Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan and whisk in the cream cheese, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic until smooth. Stir in 1 1⁄2 cups of the cheese and whisk for just a minute until the cheese melts. Remove from the heat and pour into the casserole dish, covering the cauliflower. Sprinkle the cubed ham over all, top with the remaining 1⁄2 cup cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until browned and bubbly hot. Let cool for about 5 minutes and serve. George's Tips: Although I suggest using the leftovers from a ham dinner to make this casserole, packages of fully cooked, cubed ham are available in the meat department of grocery stores sold above the baked hams. Calories 210 /Fat 16g /Protein 6g / Fiber 3g /Net Carbs 4

POOR MAN'S MAC & CHEESE CASSEROLE



Poor Man's Mac & Cheese Casserole image

My husband's Great Grandma made this for him and his sibilings when they came to visit. Only five ingredients, simple and easy to make. Ground beef, corn, cream style corn, peas, and mac & cheese. A real kid pleaser and one of my husband's favorites. I couldn't find anything else like it on the Zaar.

Provided by mrsmeduck

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 lbs ground beef
2 (14 ounce) cans cream-style corn
1 (14 ounce) can whole corn
1 (15 ounce) can peas
2 (7 1/4 ounce) Kraft macaroni and cheese

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef and set aside and keep warm. Or brown while cooking mac & cheese.
  • Cook macaroni & cheese (I prefer Kraft brand)according to directions on box.
  • Add ground beef, cream style corn, drained whole corn, and drained peas to macaroni and cheese. And you're done!
  • If it's to dry for your taste just add some more milk.
  • Frozen corn and peas can be used if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 592.8, Fat 20, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 84.3, Sodium 779, Carbohydrate 70.7, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 13.1, Protein 35.6

MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Mac and Cheese Casserole image

I found this years ago on a box, and my kids loved it. It's still my grown son's favorite meal! It's quick, easy and inexpensive. And it tastes great! If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can skip the that step and just add the soup/hot dogs to the mac and cheese in the pan and heat them, but you have to be careful not...

Provided by Nancy Eddy

Categories     Casseroles

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 box kraft mac and cheese
1 can(s) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 pkg hot dogs (cut up)

Steps:

  • 1. Cook the macaroni as directed.
  • 2. Cut the hot dogs into bite sized pieces
  • 3. Put the soup into a large bowl, along with the cut up hot dogs 1/2 cup milk, and the cheese sauce from the box. Stir, cover, and place in microwave (or into pain on the stove) and heat until the hot dogs are hot. (around 3 minutes)
  • 4. Once the macaroni is ready, put the recommended amount of butter in it, let it melt, and add it to the bowl with the soup and hot dogs. Stir, cover and place in microwave again for another 2 minutes. Let sit for a minute, then stir and serve!

CAULIFLOWER MAC 'N CHEESE CASSEROLE RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Cauliflower Mac 'n Cheese Casserole Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by nnlester

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 cups cauliflower, coarsely chopped, about 2 pounds
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 ounces mozzarella, shredded, about 1 1/4 cups
6 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded, about 1 1/4 cup plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (optional)
1 (2-quart) or 4 (2-cup) freezer-to-oven-safe baking dishes

Steps:

  • Toss cauliflower and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce plastic with a knife a few times to vent, and microwave on high 10 minutes. Carefully remove plastic and transfer cauliflower to a colander. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl. Meanwhile, cook milk, cream cheese, curry powder, mustard, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Add cauliflower and toss to combine. Add mozzarella and 6 ounces Cheddar and toss to combine-mixture should be cool enough so cheese doesn't melt. Transfer cauliflower mixture to freezer-to-oven-safe baking dish or dishes. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole until heated through and just beginning to bubble, about 45 minutes for large dish, or about 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and sprinkle Cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes. If freezing to bake later, cover dish with an airtight lid or double layer of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. To cook, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole 45 minutes for large dish, or 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and stir well with a rubber spatula. Continue to bake, uncovered, until just bubbling and heated through, 10-15 minutes more. Sprinkle Cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes. To cook individually portioned frozen casseroles in the microwave, partially cover and microwave on high 4 minutes. Uncover, stir, and microwave at 1-minute intervals until heated through, 4-5 minutes more. Top with chives, if using, before serving. Casserole(s) can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole image

Whole wheat pasta and lots of fresh broccoli add a little wholesomeness to this classically indulgent comfort food.

Provided by Reynolds Kitchens

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Reynolds®

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

Reynolds Wrap® Pan Lining Paper
8 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 ½ cups milk
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed and softened
½ cup fine dry Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 2-quart casserole dish with Reynolds Wrap® Pan Lining Paper, parchment side up. No need to grease dish.
  • Cook the pasta in a large saucepan according to the package directions, adding the broccoli for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain. Return to the saucepan and set aside.
  • Cook the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons hot butter in a large skillet 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbly. Add cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until melted. Pour cheese sauce over the pasta and broccoli and stir until well combined.
  • Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with the bread crumbs in a small bowl. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with the buttery bread crumbs.
  • Bake, uncovered, about 25 minutes or until bubbly and internal temperature is 165 degrees F. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388.4 calories, Carbohydrate 35.2 g, Cholesterol 59.1 mg, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 16.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.2 g, Sodium 483.3 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

MAC & CHEESE CASSEROLE



Mac & Cheese Casserole image

This is 1 of my late wife's recipes. She was a member on Just A Pinch.com http://www.justapinch.com/me/mbf Brenda Kay Friley...May 27, 1965 - September 19, 2012 We was married on October 9, 2010...pictures of our wedding is in my photo album

Provided by Rev BJ Friley

Categories     Side Casseroles

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 c elbow macaroni, cooked
1 pkg medium cheddar cheese
milk
salt and black pepper to taste
butter

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
  • 2. Put layer of cooked elbow macaroni in casserole dish
  • 3. Dot with butter
  • 4. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper
  • 5. Slice cheese and layer on top of macaroni
  • 6. Repeat layers until finished with macaroni
  • 7. Always end layering with layer of cheese
  • 8. Pour milk over top until you can see it at the top of the casserole dish
  • 9. Bake at 325 degrees F until cheese is melted and brown
  • 10. Cover and let stand before serving

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheddar cheese. This is the key ingredient in mac and cheese, so it's important to use a cheese that you enjoy the taste of.
  • Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Use a combination of cheeses. This will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for mac and cheese.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough. You don't want it to be runny, but you also don't want it to be too thick.
  • Add some extra flavorings. Garlic, onion, and mustard powder are all great additions to mac and cheese.
  • Top with a breadcrumb crust. This will give your mac and cheese a crispy topping.
  • Bake until golden brown. This will ensure that your mac and cheese is cooked through.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With these tips, you can make a delicious mac and cheese that everyone will enjoy.

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