Baked Macaroni With Apples
A comforting baked macaroni dish with sweet apples, cinnamon, and raisins, layered with sour cream for a delightful twist perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Combine peeled and shredded apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins in a bowl.
- Set the apple mixture aside.
- Place one quarter of the cooked egg noodles into the greased pan.
- Spread one quarter of the apple mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with melted butter.
- Repeat the layers three more times, each time with noodles, apple mixture, and melted butter.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the top layer.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little more sour cream or substituting Greek yogurt. If you're looking to reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute or try honey instead. Adding some chopped nuts can provide a nice crunch, while using whole wheat noodles can enhance the dish's nutrition. This recipe is flexible enough to use different types of apples, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Serving Suggestions
Baked macaroni with apples is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or a bowl of soup. This dish pairs beautifully with Oatmeal Flatbread for a comforting, hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until hot, but the oven helps maintain the dish's texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Macaroni With Apples contains roughly 679 calories, with 9g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta like elbow macaroni or even whole grain varieties. Just ensure they are cooked before layering. Each type will bring a different texture to the dish, so feel free to explore what works best for your taste.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
A mix of sweet and tart apples works best, such as Granny Smith and Fuji. This balance of flavors enhances the overall taste of the dish. Also, consider using seasonal apples for the freshest flavor. Avoid overly soft varieties that might turn mushy during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).