Growing up, there was nothing that screamed ‘comfort food’ more than a warm, bubbling dish of Macaroni and Cheese. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a hug in a bowl, a sure-fire pick-me-up, and an instant mood booster. But let me tell you, my Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is not just any ordinary mac ‘n’ cheese. This is a dish that takes the childhood favorite and elevates it to a whole new level. Packed with sharp cheese, a creamy mushroom soup base, a hint of pimento for that extra kick, and topped with a crunchy cheese cracker crust, this casserole is pure, indulgent comfort. I absolutely love this recipe because it combines simplicity and gourmet flavors, making it perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. The secret to this recipe lies in the quality of the cheese used and the cream of mushroom soup that provides a rich, creamy base. So, are you ready to dive into this cheesy goodness? Grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sharp cheese, grated
- 8 oz. macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 oz. jar pimento
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 1/2 onion, grated
Baking Instructions
- Mix all ingredients.
- Before baking, cover with crumbled cheese crackers and dot with butter.
- Bake at 325° for 40 minutes.
Calorie: 600
Total cooking time: 50 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Quest for the Golden Casserole
Gather ’round, folks! It’s time for another culinary caper in the kitchen, this time featuring none other than the humble, yet exalted, Macaroni And Cheese Casserole. You know the one – a beautiful mix of sharp cheese, macaroni, condensed cream, mayonnaise, onion, and a surprise guest – pimento!
The Great Cheese Debate
So, our story begins, as all good stories do, with a 1 lb. block of sharp cheese. Now, I usually find myself in a pickle over the cheese aisle. Is Cheddar too mainstream? Is Gouda too bougie? Is Roquefort even cheese? But, for our casserole today, I’ve decided to take the path less cheesy, and go with sharp cheese. Trust me, this journey isn’t for the faint-hearted or lactose-intolerant.
Macaroni Madness
Next, we’re diving into the wild world of pasta with 8 oz. of macaroni. I’ve cooked and drained these bad boys, but not before engaging in a three-round wrestling match with the pasta pot. I’m happy to report that despite a minor pasta water burn and a near-death experience with a rogue noodle, I emerged victorious.
The Condensed Cream Conundrum
Our next ingredient is a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. There’s something slightly magical about watching the condensed cream blob slowly slide out of the can. Far from being off-putting, it just adds to the charm of the cooking process. Anyone else get a small sense of satisfaction when it finally plops into the bowl? Just me? Alright, moving on.
The Pimento Plot Twist
Ah, the pimento. This 2 oz. jar of diced red pepper is our wildcard. It’s like the surprise guest who shows up uninvited but ends up being the life of the party. The pimento adds a burst of color and a hint of sweetness that dances a cheeky tango with the sourness of our mayonnaise and the tang of our onion.
Mayonnaise and Onion – The Dynamic Duo
Speaking of sour and tang, let’s talk about our final two ingredients: 1 c. mayonnaise and a 1/2 grated onion. Now, I know what you’re thinking – grated onion? Really? But trust me, the tears will be worth it when you taste the final product.
The Art of Assembly
Alright, folks. We’ve gathered our ingredients, now it’s time for the fun part – the mixing. The goal here is to create a harmonious blend where all the ingredients hold hands and sing Kumbaya. So, into the bowl they go, and mix, mix, mix.
Crowning Glory
Just when you thought we were done, there’s a twist. Before we send our casserole off to the oven, we cover it with crumbled cheese crackers and dot it with butter. It’s like sending it off to battle with a shiny helmet and a sword.
The Final Countdown
And now, we bake. At 325° for 40 minutes, our casserole transforms from a random mishmash of ingredients into a golden, bubbling beauty. It’s like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, only this butterfly is edible and smothered in cheese.
So, there you have it, folks. The saga of the Macaroni And Cheese Casserole. A tale of sharp cheese, macaroni, condensed cream, pimento, mayonnaise, and onion. A true testament to the power of comfort food. Now, go forth and cook! And remember, the kitchen is just a playground for grown-ups.
