Jean'S Macaroni Surprise(Country: U. S. A.)
A creamy, cheesy macaroni casserole with Spam and peas, baked to perfection. Perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining rich flavors with a hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until almost done, then drain.
- Put the cooked macaroni into a baking pan.
- Add cubed Spam, frozen peas, and both cans of cheese and mushroom or celery soup to the pan.
- Pour milk into one can and rinse it into another can; rinse that can and pour the milk into the baking pan.
- Use one can of milk for every two cans of soup.
- Top with mozzarella or sharp cheese if desired.
- Bake at 350°F until the top is light brown, about 30-35 minutes.
- The mixture before baking should appear loose.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you're looking for a healthier twist, swap out the Spam for diced turkey or chicken. Frozen spinach can also be a great addition to the peas for extra nutrition. Taste as you go to adjust seasoning, and don't be afraid to use a blend of cheeses for more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jean's Macaroni Surprise hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You may also enjoy it alongside crusty bread or corn on the cob for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil to keep it moist, baking for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will give you the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Macaroni Surprise(Country: U. S. A.) contains roughly 943 calories, with 31g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (85% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Spam and substitute it with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tempeh or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and nutrition, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I do if I don’t have Cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup, you can use a homemade cheese sauce or substitute with a blend of cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese. This will still give you a rich, cheesy flavor while keeping the dish creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze Jean's Macaroni Surprise?
Yes, you can freeze Jean's Macaroni Surprise! Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
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).