Do-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and convenient, this make-ahead macaroni and cheese combines sharp cheddar, pimiento, and crispy potato chips for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, except potato chips, in a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute part of the Cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack. For added flavor, a pinch of garlic powder or mustard powder can enhance the dish significantly. Also, ensure you cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni and cheese as a comforting main dish or as a side to grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. You could also consider serving it alongside a slice of Mildred'S Original Sweet Bread for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes and sprinkle additional crushed potato chips on top before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Do-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 908 calories, with 35g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (92% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2934mg per serving (128% 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 macaroni and cheese gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensuring that the Cheddar cheese soup is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste great and work well in this dish.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
To incorporate more vegetables, consider adding cooked broccoli, spinach, or even diced tomatoes to the cheese mixture before baking. You can also mix in sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze the macaroni and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Assemble it in a freezer-safe container before baking. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake it straight from the freezer, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
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).