Macaroni Special
A hearty baked macaroni dish layered with cheese, mushrooms, peas, and topped with cracker crumbs, baked in a rich tomato and cream sauce for comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water until tender, then drain.
- Cook mushrooms until tender and grate the cheese.
- Drain the peas.
- In a large Pyrex bowl, layer macaroni, cheese, peas, and mushrooms, then sprinkle with rolled cracker crumbs.
- Dot the layers with butter, and season with salt and pepper, leaving macaroni, cheese, and crumbs on top of the last layer.
- Pour the can of tomato juice over the layered mixture, then add cream, and top with an additional cup of tomato juice.
- Bake slowly at a low temperature for 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more cream or a splash of milk. If rat cheese isn't available, substitute with a sharp cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses. To add depth, sauté some garlic with the mushrooms. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to mix in some cooked ground meat for extra protein. This dish pairs beautifully with Shaker Corn Pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Macaroni Special hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. This hearty dish makes a fantastic main course for family gatherings and can be accompanied by a light dessert like Grandma Dee's Oatmeal Cookies to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, heating at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Special contains roughly 670 calories, with 18g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (87% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. To bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This ensures even cooking.
What can I substitute for mushrooms?
If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers for added flavor. Both options complement the cheese and macaroni well, and they add a nice color to your dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat. Ensure you check the cheese and cream for any animal-derived ingredients if strict vegetarianism is necessary. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for more nutrition.
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).