There’s something incredibly comforting about digging into a warm, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese, and the One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe takes that love affair to a whole new level. This dish is a beautiful fusion of creamy cheese, tender elbow macaroni, and the sweet pop of whole kernel and cream-style corn that adds both texture and a natural hint of sweetness. What makes this recipe truly special is the ease of preparing everything in just one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy this crowd-pleasing comfort food with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples that work together like best friends, delivering rich flavor, perfect creaminess, and a little bit of crunch to make every bite memorable. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the buttery base, the cheesy goodness, or the subtle spices that elevate the entire dish.
- Whole kernel corn (14 ounces): Adds bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Cream-style corn (14 ounces): Provides extra creaminess and blends seamlessly into the cheesy sauce.
- Water (1½ cups): Helps cook the pasta right in the dish, saving you from boiling separately.
- Whole milk (1½ cups): Gives the mac and cheese its rich, creamy body.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to create a balanced dish.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle tangy depth without overwhelming the cheese.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and familiarity to every bite.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Infuses a touch of smoky, mild spice for complexity.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Builds savory notes in the background.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick that brightens the dish.
- Ground nutmeg (â…› teaspoon, optional): Offers a hint of warmth that complements creamy cheese beautifully.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta choice that holds the sauce perfectly.
- Velveeta (16 ounces, cubed): Melts to luscious, smooth cheese goodness that defines this mac and cheese.
- Salted butter (½ cup, cubed): Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Toasted for a satisfying crunchy topping.
- Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Used to toast the breadcrumbs, adding flavor and crispiness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the breadcrumb topping perfectly.
- Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Gives a sharp, nutty finish to the breadcrumb crust.
How to Make One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F. This sets the stage for our cheesy masterpiece, ensuring a perfectly bubbly and golden finish in the end.
Step 2: Combine Corn and Liquids
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, and all the spices. This flavorful liquid base not only cooks the pasta but infuses it with incredible taste straight from the start.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Cheese, and Butter
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta, and the cubed salted butter until everything is evenly coated. This ensures each noodle will soak up the rich cheese sauce while baking, meaning the final texture will be creamy and perfectly tender.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, stir the mac and cheese well, cover again, and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes. If the pasta still feels too firm for your liking, don’t hesitate to bake it for an additional 5 to 10 minutes—this guarantees flawless doneness.
Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping
While the macaroni continues baking, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a small skillet with the butter and a pinch of salt until golden and coated. This step brings a wonderful crunch to contrast with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Crust and Final Bake
Remove the breadcrumb topping from heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese and bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes. This final touch gives you a golden, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma, making the dish look as irresistible as it tastes. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish holds its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even smoky grilled chicken. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with crunchy, fresh sides, creating a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this one-dish wonder straight from the baking pan for a cozy, family-style meal or portion it into cute little ramekins for a dinner party touch. Adding a few roasted corn kernels on top can reinforce that sweet corn flavor and bring some texture surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. As it sits, the flavors deepen and meld beautifully, though the texture might firm up a bit.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe dish before baking or immediately after baking once cooled. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn, and consume within 2 months for peak flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F covered with foil to prevent the top from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess and stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta melts smoothly and offers that classic creamy texture, you can swap it with mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a more traditional feel. Just keep in mind that melting properties might vary.
Is it necessary to use both whole kernel and cream-style corn?
Using both adds amazing texture and flavor layers—the whole kernels provide little bursts of sweetness and bite, while cream-style corn makes the sauce extra creamy. However, you can adjust proportions based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
With some thoughtful substitutions, yes! Use vegan cheese alternatives and plant-based milk, and swap the butter for a non-dairy spread. Keep in mind that texture and flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious and comforting.
Should I cover the dish with foil during baking?
Covering with foil prevents the top from browning too quickly and helps the macaroni cook evenly without drying out. Remember to uncover toward the end if you want that beautiful golden crust!
What if my mac and cheese is too watery after baking?
This can happen if the pasta hasn’t absorbed all the liquid. Give it extra baking time uncovered or stir it well and broil for a couple of minutes to evaporate excess moisture. The cheese and corns will help thicken it up nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving a warm, cheesy, and slightly sweet batch of this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe to your family or friends. It’s cozy, satisfying, and straightforward enough to become a regular go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that everyone will be asking for again and again.
Print
One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines whole kernel and cream-style corn with rich Velveeta cheese and elbow macaroni. Baked to perfection and topped with a buttery, crispy panko and Parmesan crust, this recipe delivers a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces whole kernel corn (432g, drained)
- 14 ounces cream-style corn (418g)
- 1½ cups water (360mL)
- 1½ cups whole milk (360mL)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (454g)
- 16 ounces Velveeta (cubed)
- ½ cup salted butter (cubed)
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it for baking the mac and cheese.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking pan, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Add uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta, and salted butter cubes to the corn mixture in the pan. Stir well to coat the macaroni with the creamy corn and cheese mixture.
- Bake the Mixture: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, stir the contents thoroughly to redistribute heat and cheese, then recover and bake for another 20 minutes. If the macaroni is still too firm, continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add panko breadcrumbs and salt, stirring constantly until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and are fully coated in butter. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly over the baked mac and cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for the last 15 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
Notes
- Covering the dish with foil initially helps the pasta cook evenly without drying out.
- Use whole milk for creaminess; you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter option, but the texture may vary.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your preference, especially the optional spices like mustard powder and nutmeg, to customize the flavor.
- The breadcrumb topping adds a lovely crunch but can be omitted for a softer mac and cheese texture.
- Ensure the macaroni is fully cooked by extending baking time if needed to avoid a crunchy pasta center.
