Glorified Macaroni
Creamy, cheesy macaroni baked with a crunchy cracker topping, perfect for comfort food lovers and family gatherings, offering rich flavors with a hint of sweetness from pimentos.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 1 stick of oleo in a saucepan; add chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until tender.
- Add the cooked macaroni, Velveeta cheese, pimento, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom soup to the saucepan. Heat on low, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with vegetable spray.
- Melt the remaining oleo and combine it with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake at 325°F until lightly browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of milk or cream while heating the cheese mixture. You can substitute the Velveeta with a combination of cheddar and cream cheese for a richer flavor. If you're looking to lighten it up, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This dish is great for potlucks or gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
This Glorified Macaroni pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork for added protein. For a comforting dessert, consider making Sarah'S Sweet Potato Pie to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glorified Macaroni contains roughly 520 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply ensure all ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using vegetable broth and mushrooms to maintain flavor without meat.
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).