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
Scale
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.
