Macaroni Mousse
A creamy macaroni mousse packed with cheese, vegetables, and a savory mushroom soup topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine scalded milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, cooked elbow macaroni, pimiento, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, salt, and half of the bread crumbs in a bowl, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with the reserved bread crumbs.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the cream of mushroom soup.
- After baking, pour the heated mushroom soup over the top of the casserole.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want a bit of heat, add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese as a substitute for the grated cheese. You can also mix in cooked vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. Be sure to mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the macaroni mousse hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside hot toasted mushroom sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook and dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Mousse contains roughly 699 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1693mg per serving (74% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the ingredients like cheese and soup are free from meat products. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the macaroni mousse a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
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).