Description
This comforting Corn Mac and Cheese Bake features tender elbow macaroni combined with sweet corn and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar and mozzarella. Baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and crunchy finish, perfect for a family-friendly dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk while continuously whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and sweet corn. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, but avoid using skim milk to maintain creaminess.
- Frozen corn should be thawed and drained before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded improves melting and texture.
- Breadcrumb topping can be mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter for an even crispier finish.
