Salmon Macaroni And Cheese
A creamy, savory salmon and cheese pasta dish that combines tender macaroni with flaky salmon, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (7 3/4 oz.) can salmon ⓘ
- milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 tomato, wedged ⓘ
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Drain the salmon, reserving the liquid, and flake the fish into pieces.
- Add milk to the salmon liquid to make 2 cups in total.
- Sauté the minced onion in the margarine until translucent.
- Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and ground mustard to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and salmon liquid, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the grated sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and flaked salmon.
- Serve topped with wedged tomato and sprinkled with bread crumbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the cheese sauce. You can substitute the salmon with canned tuna for a different flavor. If you prefer a bit of crunch, try adding sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking. This dish is great for using up leftover cheese or pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the macaroni and cheese well. For an extra treat, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. This dish pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Crabmeat Mold for a delightful seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 286 calories, with 11g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2397mg per serving (104% 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 fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Simply cook and flake it before adding it to the cheese sauce. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh salmon may require a bit longer to cook compared to canned salmon.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the elbow macaroni you use is labeled gluten-free as well, which is widely available in stores.
Can I freeze salmon macaroni and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze salmon macaroni and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
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).