Corn Macaroni Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistibly creamy Corn Macaroni Casserole! This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender elbow macaroni, sweet bursts of corn, and a luscious cheese sauce infused with cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Topped with a golden layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs and a hint of paprika for a smoky kick, this baked macaroni casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, offering a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1.5 cups frozen or canned sweet corn
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue whisking to prevent lumps and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Add cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni and sweet corn to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Follow with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy topping.

Step 10

Optionally, sprinkle paprika on top for a pop of color.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1431.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3173.4

Total Fat 180.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 493.6mg	0%
Sodium 5245.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 281.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 55.9g
Protein 123.6g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 2367.7mg	0%
Iron 11.4mg	0%
Potassium 1787.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 34.7%