Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, from Grill Drip, ready to share my latest obsession: a Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe that’s about to become your new go-to. I’m talking about a dish that’s pure comfort, but with a bold flavor twist that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. I had an amazing reaction from friends during game night when I made a Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe. Their expressions were so amazing! It truly thrilled me that the flavors were a total win.
I’ve always believed that food should be an adventure, and this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe definitely delivers. It transforms simple ingredients into something seriously special. This isn’t your grandma’s casserole (unless your grandma is a total flavor rebel, then maybe it is!). Get ready to create a weeknight winner. Let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS You Need
Okay, let’s talk ingredients. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! No blandness allowed here. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe gets its amazing taste from the creamy corn, the cheesy macaroni, and that little something extra that I’m about to share. You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: The base of our delicious creation!
- 1 (15-ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can of creamed corn: This is the key to the creamy factor!
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Makes it extra decadent. No worries if you don’t have cream cheese – I use sour cream all the time in my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe!
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps to create the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little bit of spice!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, cheesy goodness!
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: For a little crunch on top.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness to the topping.
I love adding a dash of hot sauce to my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe for that extra kick. Here’s my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe secret that takes it from good to incredible… a sprinkle of smoked paprika! It adds such a depth of flavor. Plus, you can even find a delicious Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe at Allrecipes. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food adventurers, let’s get cooking! This is my favorite part of making Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe – watch the delicious magic happen! These numbered steps are written like you’re cooking together in my kitchen.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic starts happening!
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Don’t overcook it! You want it to be slightly al dente.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. It’s super easy!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, whole kernel corn, creamed corn, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed. In my kitchen, this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe usually takes about 5 minutes to mix all these ingredients together!
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This is where the anticipation builds!
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the bread crumbs. Because more cheese is always a good idea!
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. This is the best part. Your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe should smell absolutely incredible right now!
While your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Don’t worry if your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe looks a little uneven before baking. It’ll all even out in the oven. You can find a Macaroni Corn Casserole {Oven or Crock-Pot!} recipe at dancearoundthekitchen.com. I discovered that adding a pinch of red pepper flakes takes this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe to another level. It’s also amazing to try a macaroni corn bake!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, the Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is ready, and it looks and smells AMAZING! Now, how do we serve this masterpiece? This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! People literally do happy dances when this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe hits the table with… a sprinkle of fresh parsley!
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe:
- As a side dish with grilled chicken or steak: The creamy, cheesy flavors complement the smoky char of the grill perfectly.
- As a vegetarian main course: Serve it with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- At potlucks and gatherings: This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Alongside BBQ ribs: The sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cheese are the perfect counterpoint to the smoky, savory ribs.
I love to add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. This also goes great with cornbread casserole. For a fusion twist, try adding a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for cream cheese corn casserole. I like to serve it in a pretty dish to wow my guests. When I serve this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe, people always ask for the recipe!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! I want you to feel totally confident making this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe. I’ve gathered some common cooking concerns to make this easier.
- Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe? Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What if I mess up my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up. Even if you overcook the macaroni a little, it’ll still be delicious!
- How can I prep this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe for busy weeknights? Cook the macaroni and mix the ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and bake when you’re ready.
- Can I freeze this casserole? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the cheese and sour cream may change. However, it’s always best fresh!
- What other cheeses can I use? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious.
- Is this easy corn casserole recipe great for picky eaters? Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy flavors are usually a hit with kids and adults alike.
I tested this recipe on my family and they gave it rave reviews! I also tried adding a layer of crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Check out more about creamy corn casserole.
CONCLUSION:
This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavor. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and guaranteed to make everyone do a little happy dance.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor that takes this casserole to the next level.
- Hot sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce adds a little kick.
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens up the flavors.
- Bacon Macaroni Corn Casserole: Add a layer of cooked, crumbled bacon for a savory twist. Perfect for potlucks!
- Spicy Macaroni Corn Casserole: Add a chopped jalapeno or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. I love to use this version when tailgating!
- Vegetarian Macaroni Corn Casserole: Add some chopped vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for extra nutrients. This one is great for a quick weeknight dinner. Also, consider the Creamy Corn Macaroni and Cheese Casserole found at Julie’s Eats and Treats.
Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen. I’m so excited for you to try this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe and make it your own! I know you’re going to love it. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out sweet corn spoonbread casserole. Happy cooking! 💕🔥 Now you can finally dive into the cheesy corn macaroni!
Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe
This Macaroni Corn Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make side dish, perfect for potlucks or family dinners. It combines creamy macaroni and cheese with sweet corn for a delightful flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans creamed corn
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Stir in cooked macaroni, creamed corn, and whole kernel corn.
- Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. A sprinkle of paprika on top before baking adds a nice color and slight smokiness.