Jolly Holiday Cheesy Baked Delight: A Festive Christmas Recipe

Decadent cheese takes center stage in this irresistible holiday baked recipe that promises to delight everyone around the table.

Creamy textures and rich flavors blend perfectly to create a mouthwatering dish.

Families and friends will adore the golden, bubbly goodness emerging from the oven.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to craft something truly special.

Each bite delivers comfort and warmth characteristic of seasonal celebrations.

The recipe offers a stress-free approach to impressing guests with minimal cooking skills.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this cheesy Christmas classic that will become your new festive favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Make Christmas Cheesy Baked So Good

• Rice Or Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose whole grain varieties for extra nutrition.
• Mixed Vegetables: Adds color and nutrients, frozen or fresh work perfectly, select seasonal veggies for best flavor.

• Cream Of Mushroom Soup: Creates rich, smooth texture, look for low-sodium options for healthier version.
• Shredded Cheese: Delivers delicious melty goodness, blend different cheese types for complex flavor profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Offers delightful crispy topping, use seasoned or plain varieties based on preference.
• Salt And Pepper: Enhances overall taste, use freshly ground pepper for more intense flavor.
• Butter Or Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures smooth release from baking dish, prevents sticking and helps achieve golden edges.

Tools for Prepping Christmas Cheesy Baked Smoothly

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly and combining cheese, soup, and vegetables.
• Baking dish: Greased and used to bake the cheesy vegetable mixture in the oven.
• Microwave or stovetop: Optional tool for thawing frozen vegetables quickly.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir ingredients together smoothly.
• Cheese grater: If using block cheese that needs shredding.
• Oven: Crucial for baking the dish to golden, bubbly perfection.

Bake Christmas Cheesy Baked with Simple Steps

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375 degrees. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick butter massage or spritz with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.

• Veggie Prep

Thaw those frozen veggies in the microwave or on the stovetop. Feel free to get creative with fresh broccoli, spinach, or sweet potatoes for a personal touch.

• Create Your Cheesy Masterpiece

In a big mixing bowl, toss together shredded cheese, creamy mushroom soup, and your chosen vegetables. Fold in some cooked rice or pasta for extra heartiness. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make the flavors dance.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour your cheesy concoction into the prepared dish. Shower the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy crown. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and starts bubbling with excitement.

• Serve with Holiday Cheer

Pull your masterpiece from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Dish out this delicious creation hot, whether as a side or main course. Watch your guests’ eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Flavor Tips for That Perfect Cheesy Bite

• Prevent soggy vegetables by lightly patting thawed frozen veggies with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before mixing into the dish.
• Add cooked chicken, ham, or crumbled bacon to transform this side dish into a hearty main course perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly without losing that delightful crispy topping.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and add a personal touch to your holiday dish.
• Replace mixed vegetables with seasonal produce like roasted butternut squash, caramelized Brussels sprouts, or winter root vegetables for a festive and nutritious variation that celebrates the season's bounty.

How to Serve Christmas Cheesy Baked Warm

• Festive Family Feast: Pair this cheesy baked dish with roasted turkey or ham for a complete holiday meal that'll make everyone smile.
• Holiday Comfort Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness and add a fresh, light element to your Christmas spread.
• Leftovers: Transform remaining portions into a hearty lunch by reheating and topping with extra cheese or fresh herbs for a delicious next-day treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and extra layer of flavor that'll impress your guests.

Save & Reheat Note for the Cheesy Bake

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Glass or ceramic dishes work best for retaining flavor and texture.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to bake, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• This dish can be frozen before or after baking. When freezing uncooked, wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casseroles remain delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.
• Divide the casserole into individual serving containers for easy lunch prep or quick weeknight meals. These single-serve portions can be reheated directly in the microwave, making mealtime convenient and hassle-free.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

The basic recipe is vegetarian, but you can easily customize it by choosing vegetable-based ingredients and avoiding any meat-based cream soups.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Festive Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked macaroni promises festive comfort on chilly winter nights. Creamy cheese and golden breadcrumbs create a simple, irresistible holiday classic you’ll savor with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (500 g / 17.6 oz) cooked pasta (penne, elbow, or bowtie)
• 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz) shredded chicken (optional, for a main dish)
• 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) frozen peas
• 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) diced red bell pepper
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16.2 fl oz) milk
• 1 cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Thaw frozen vegetables using microwave or stovetop method. Optional: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or sweet potatoes for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Mixture Creation: In large mixing bowl, combine shredded cheese varieties, mushroom soup, prepared vegetables, cooked rice or pasta, seasoning with salt and pepper. Thoroughly blend ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
4. Assembly: Transfer mixed ingredients into prepared baking dish, strategically sprinkling breadcrumbs across surface to create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds textural contrast.
5. Baking Process: Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until surface becomes bubbly and achieves a rich, appetizing golden-brown coloration.
6. Serving: Remove from oven and allow brief resting period to stabilize internal temperature. Serve immediately as either a complementary side dish or substantial main course, perfect for festive gatherings.

Notes

• Customize Veggie Selection: Choose seasonal or locally available vegetables to enhance flavor and nutrition, ensuring freshness and personal touch.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Drain thawed vegetables thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish watery and compromise the cheesy consistency.
• Cheese Variety Matters: Blend different cheese types like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for complex, layered flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Crispy Topping Technique: Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to guarantee a golden, crunchy exterior that adds delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 122
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg