Description
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole is a cheesy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a potluck. It features tender pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 ounces short pasta (such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
- 5 scallions, chopped and divided
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: While pasta is cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until thickened and lightly golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, mustard, garlic, cayenne, paprika, white pepper, salt, black pepper, and bacon. Once the cheese is melted, stir in half of the chopped scallions and all of the corn.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and pour the cheese sauce over top. Stir to combine.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, breadcrumbs, and the remaining chopped scallions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes. Increase heat to low broil and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pasta: Use your favorite type of short pasta.
- Cheese: You can substitute different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
- Bacon: You can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake later. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
