Macaroni Puff
A creamy, cheesy macaroni casserole with a crunchy bread crumb topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, blending sharp cheese and flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup small elbow macaroni, cooked ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk, scalded ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 cups grated sharp cheese ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced pimiento ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour the hot milk over the bread crumbs and let stand until the bread absorbs the milk.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of grated cheese and add the remaining cheese to the milk mixture; cover and let stand until the cheese melts.
- Add the cooked macaroni, beaten egg yolks, diced pimiento, melted margarine, chopped parsley, grated onion, and salt to the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff but not dry.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the macaroni mixture gently.
- Pour the mixture into an ungreased baking or souffle dish.
- Bake uncovered in a 325°F oven for about 50 minutes or until set.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return to the oven until the cheese melts.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and Gruyère. If you're out of pimiento, roasted red peppers or sautéed bell peppers can work well. For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary, and it's important not to overbake the puff.
Serving Suggestions
Macaroni puff makes a delightful main dish, perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Coconut Macaroons for dessert, creating a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover macaroni puff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, covering with foil if the top starts to brown too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Puff contains roughly 713 calories, with 28g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, macaroni puff is a vegetarian recipe, making it an excellent option for meat-free meals. Just ensure that the cheese you use is rennet-free if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
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).