Cheese Noodle Casserole
A cheesy, savory noodle casserole layered with cheese, olives, pimentos, and pizza sauce, topped with Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles until al dente and drain.
- Layer the cooked noodles, sliced olives, sliced pimentos, pizza sauce, and grated Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish, leaving space for each ingredient.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a can of cream of mushroom soup to the layers. If you're looking for a twist, substitute the Cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option or replace olives with artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese Noodle Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Raisin Bread Pudding for a comforting family dinner. For extra flavor, offer hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Noodle Casserole contains roughly 554 calories, with 35g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1259mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
If you don't have pizza sauce on hand, marinara or spaghetti sauce can be excellent substitutes. You can also make your own by combining crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs for a fresh flavor that complements the cheeses well.
Can I freeze the Cheese Noodle Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
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).