Description
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole combines creamy, cheesy pasta with sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a buttery breadcrumb topping for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 8 ounces short pasta (such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Add-ins and Topping
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about ½ cup)
- 5 scallions, chopped and divided
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, dry mustard, pressed garlic, cayenne, paprika, white pepper, salt, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Once the cheese melts, fold in half of the chopped scallions and all the corn.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and pour the cheese sauce on top. Stir gently to combine evenly.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with seasoned breadcrumbs and the remaining chopped scallions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the assembled casserole.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then increase the oven to low broil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use warmed milk to help the cheese sauce thicken smoothly.
- Cook pasta until just al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
