Double Cheese Macaroni Casserole
A creamy, cheesy macaroni casserole featuring double cheese, baked to perfection with a flavorful blend of spices, ideal for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. Kraft Cracker Barrel medium cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz. Kraft sharp cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz. can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. diced green pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. diced pimento (optional) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 8 oz. pkg. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Grate the medium and sharp cheeses and mix with the eggs, evaporated milk, water, green pepper (if using), pimento (if using), dry mustard, paprika, black pepper, and set aside.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt the margarine in the hot cooked macaroni.
- Add the cheese mixture to the macaroni and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until brown and bubbly around the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra creaminess, consider adding a touch of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a sharper flavor, swap in aged cheddar for the medium cheese. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, like shells or penne. For a kick, add some hot sauce to the mix. This dish is perfect for potlucks or gatherings, just like the Oatmeal-Carrot Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy delight alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Maureen'S Apricot Jello for a refreshing dessert. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or sausage on the side. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture. This casserole is just as comforting the next day!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double Cheese Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 393 calories, with 11g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 14g 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 cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors. Just make sure to maintain the overall volume of cheese required for the recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many excellent options available that can hold up well in casseroles. Just check the cooking time on the package as they may differ from regular pasta.
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).