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
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Vegetable Preparation: Thaw frozen vegetables using microwave or stovetop method. Optional: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or sweet potatoes for enhanced flavor profile.
- 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.
- Assembly: Transfer mixed ingredients into prepared baking dish, strategically sprinkling breadcrumbs across surface to create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds textural contrast.
- 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.
- 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