Moist Cheesy Macaroni
Creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, ideal for comfort food lovers and family dinners craving rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; rinse and drain.
- Mix butter into the cooked macaroni until melted.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add seasoning salt, bread crumbs, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and milk; mix well.
- Combine the egg mixture with the macaroni and butter, stirring until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a glass baking dish.
- Top with Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the egg mixture. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. To amp up the flavor, you can include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of paprika. Ensure the macaroni is not overcooked, as it will continue to cook while baking. This dish can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Moist Cheesy Macaroni pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein. For a fun twist, serve it as a side dish with the Red And White Frozen Salad to complete the meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover macaroni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed. You may want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moist Cheesy Macaroni contains roughly 632 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% 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! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure that all your ingredients, like the cheese and bread crumbs, are free from animal products if you are seeking a strict vegetarian option. You can also add sautéed vegetables for extra 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).