If you’re craving a comforting meal that brings a delightful twist to a classic favorite, this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful dish that mixes tender elbow macaroni with not one but two kinds of sweet corn, creating a luscious texture and a burst of natural sweetness in every bite. Easy to prepare and baked right in a single pan, this recipe captures all the cozy goodness of home cooking while introducing a vibrant corn element that takes your mac and cheese to an entirely new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s unbeatable flavor and comforting texture. Each element plays an essential role, from the rich cream-style corn for silkiness to the Velveeta cheese that melts into the ultimate cheesy sauce. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to deliver a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
- Whole kernel corn (14 ounces): Adds a delightful pop of sweetness and texture that complements the creamy components perfectly.
- Cream-style corn (14 ounces): Brings smooth, velvety creaminess essential for that luscious mac and cheese sauce.
- Water (1½ cups): Helps cook the pasta right in the pan, absorbing flavors as it simmers.
- Whole milk (1½ cups): Provides richness and balances the creamy texture while enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning, it brightens and rounds out all the flavors.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle tang and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a mild savory warmth for a comforting aromatic touch.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers gentle smokiness and color to lift the visual appeal and flavor.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile with a hint of sweetness and depth.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that balances the dish’s richness.
- Ground nutmeg (â…› teaspoon, optional): Provides a warm, delicate spice that harmonizes beautifully with creamy cheese.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic mac and cheese pasta of choice, perfect for soaking up that cheesy corn goodness.
- Velveeta cheese (16 ounces, cubed): Melts smoothly, delivering the signature creamy cheese flavor that makes macros comfort food royalty.
- Salted butter (½ cup, cubed): Enhances richness and richness, marrying the flavors together in velvety goodness.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Gives a crunchy, golden topping that adds textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
- Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Toasts the breadcrumbs beautifully when melted, creating that irresistible crispy crust.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Seasoning for the breadcrumb topping to keep each bite perfectly seasoned.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the breadcrumb topping’s flavor and crunch.
How to Make One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the baking pan and preheat
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and getting a 9×13-inch baking pan ready. This dish is all about building layers of flavor in one simple vessel, so having everything prepped means your cooking flow stays smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine the creamy corn base
Mix together the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, milk, and all the spices—salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg—in the baking pan. Stir until everything is well blended; the corn and seasonings create a rich, flavorful sauce that will infuse the pasta as it cooks, making every bite decadent.
Step 3: Add pasta, cheese, and butter
Now it’s time to stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, Velveeta cubes, and the cubed salted butter right into your corn mixture. This is where the magic happens—embedding that creamy, cheesy goodness directly into the pasta for a luscious, gooey result after baking. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly in that gorgeous, buttery corn-cheese sauce.
Step 4: Bake and stir for perfect texture
Cover your pan tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. After that time, give it a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and help the macaroni cook evenly. Cover and bake for another 20 minutes, then check the pasta’s tenderness. If it still feels too firm, bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. This step guarantees the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce thickened to creamy perfection.
Step 5: Prepare the crunchy breadcrumb topping
If you love that golden, crispy top on your mac and cheese, this is the step you’ll relish. Melt the remaining butter in a small skillet, then add the panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. Toast them while stirring until they are evenly coated and slightly dry with that irresistible crunch. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add sharpness and bring the topping to the next level.
Step 6: Finish baking with topping
Sprinkle your toasted breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over the baked macaroni. Return the pan to the oven uncovered and continue baking for the last 15 minutes. The topping will turn a beautiful golden color and develop that satisfying crispness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy macaroni beneath.
How to Serve One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To make your One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe truly shine when served, consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. These bright, fresh herbs cut through the richness and add a lovely pop of color. A dash of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can bring a subtle kick if you’re in the mood for something a little spicy.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides that balance the creaminess. Think fresh green salads with tangy vinaigrettes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a bright tomato cucumber salad. For heartier meals, serve it alongside grilled chicken or baked pork chops for a satisfying feast everyone will request again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation at gatherings, try serving this mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets right from the oven. Or spoon it into bell peppers or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an eye-catching autumn twist. Either way, this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe is a showstopper that beckons everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your mac and cheese has cooled, transfer leftover portions to airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator. Stored this way, the dish will keep well for 3 to 4 days, letting you enjoy hassle-free meals while maintaining its creamy, flavorful character.
Freezing
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your mac and cheese in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until bubbly and warmed through. For quicker reheating, a microwave works too—just stir occasionally and add a splash of milk to restore that creamy texture if needed. Reheating this way keeps your mac and cheese tasting almost as fresh as homemade.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Velveeta?
You absolutely can! While Velveeta gives this recipe its signature creamy melt, substituting with sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and mozzarella can add wonderful flavors. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta variety. Additionally, make sure the panko breadcrumbs used for the topping are gluten-free, or simply skip the topping and enjoy the creamy base alone.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled to ensure the pasta cooks through perfectly.
What makes the corn addition special in this recipe?
The corn adds a naturally sweet and juicy contrast to the cheesy richness, lifting the overall flavor profile while providing fun pops of texture throughout. It also adds a lovely color contrast that makes the dish visually appealing.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
For an even crispier topping, you can bake the breadcrumbs separately on a foil-lined sheet until golden and then sprinkle them on just before serving. Adding a bit of grated sharp cheddar to the topping mix also helps develop a delightful crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and texture, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s incredibly satisfying, easy to prepare, and brings something refreshingly unique to your usual mac and cheese lineup. I promise it will warm your soul and have everyone asking for seconds.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese combines creamy Velveeta cheese with a delightful mix of whole kernel and cream-style corn, seasoned with a blend of spices to create a comforting and flavorful meal. Baked until bubbly and topped with a crunchy, buttery parmesan panko breadcrumb crust, this easy recipe serves 8 and delivers a perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures in every bite.
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 to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Mix Corn and Seasonings: In a 9×13-inch baking pan, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to mix all the flavors together.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta, and salted butter to the corn mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy corn mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from the oven, stir well to combine, then recover with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. If the macaroni is still too firm, continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: While the pasta is baking, melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and salt, toasting them until the breadcrumbs are golden and evenly coated with butter. Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
- Top and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the crust to crisp up and brown pleasantly.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can substitute whole milk with half-and-half.
- Topping can be omitted or substituted with crushed crackers for a different crunch.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Make sure to stir the dish halfway through baking for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken and cool slightly before serving.
