If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’re going to love this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni bubbling away with sweet bursts of corn, all baked together in one pan for easy cleanup and even easier enjoyment. This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich, gooey cheese and the fresh, sunny flavor of corn, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy dinner with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly straightforward to make, which means more time enjoying and less fussing in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create a luscious, flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the creamy texture and subtle sweetness that makes this recipe stand out.
- Whole kernel corn (14 ounces): Adds delightful bursts of juicy sweetness and texture throughout the dish.
- Cream-style corn (14 ounces): Helps create a velvety, rich base sauce that coats every macaroni piece perfectly.
- Water (1½ cups): Essential for cooking the macaroni right in the dish without the need for boiling separately.
- Whole milk (1½ cups): Contributes richness and smoothness to the overall creaminess.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors involved.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Offers a gentle tangy depth that complements the cheese and corn beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle savoriness without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Provides mild warmth and a hint of smoky undertone.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Brings out natural sweetness to meld with the other spices.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a bit of kick and brightness.
- Ground nutmeg (â…› teaspoon, optional): Introduces a delicate, warm spice that pairs surprisingly well with creamy cheese sauces.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta shape ensures each bite gets the perfect amount of cheesy sauce.
- Velveeta cheese (16 ounces, cubed): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistibly smooth, creamy texture.
- Salted butter (½ cup, cubed): Enriches the sauce and adds a luscious silkiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Toasted for a crunchy, golden topping that gives the dish lovely texture contrast.
- Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Used to toast the breadcrumbs, enhancing their flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) for crumbs: Elevates the breadcrumb topping’s seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Mixed into the breadcrumbs for a sharp, savory finish on top.
How to Make One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s nice and hot to give your mac and cheese its perfect bubbly finish. This temperature is key for cooking the pasta right in the pan while melding the creamy components beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Corn and Sauce Ingredients
In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, and all your spices including mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg. This flavorful liquid base will infuse every macaroni piece with rich corn sweetness and aromatic seasoning.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Cheese, and Butter
Now toss in the uncooked macaroni, cubed Velveeta cheese, and the cubed butter right into the corn mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy, buttery goodness – this is where the magic really starts taking shape.
Step 4: Bake Covered for Tender Pasta
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it bake for 20 minutes. Then, stir well to mix up any settled ingredients, cover again, and bake for an additional 20 minutes. If the pasta isn’t quite tender enough, give it another 5 to 10 minutes. This technique means you don’t need to boil the pasta first, saving time and dishes.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
While the mac and cheese is baking, melt butter in a skillet and toss in the panko breadcrumbs along with salt. Toast the crumbs, stirring gently until they’re golden and perfectly crisp. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add that irresistible savory punch.
Step 6: Add Topping and Finish Baking
Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over your mac and cheese, then return the uncovered dish to the oven for the last 15 minutes. This final bake creates a gorgeous golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.
How to Serve One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a fresh bite against the creamy, cheesy base. If you want to amp up the flavor, a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to lighten the meal or roasted vegetables for extra nutrients and texture. For a true comfort feast, try it alongside fried chicken or crispy bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for a cozy, personal touch perfect for dinner parties. You can even top each serving with a fried egg or some crunchy bacon bits to make it feel special without any extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after resting, making cold mac and cheese a snack some swear by.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover mac and cheese in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing to preserve the creamy texture as best as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back that luscious creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While Velveeta melts smoothly and gives that classic mac and cheese consistency, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Just keep in mind smoother cheeses will yield creamier results.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely. Cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed shrimp make delicious additions. Stir them in after the first 40 minutes of baking to heat through without overcooking.
Why bake the macaroni rather than boiling it first?
Baking the macaroni directly in the sauce not only saves you a pot to clean but also allows the noodles to soak up maximum flavor while cooking, resulting in a more cohesive, flavorful dish.
How do I get the breadcrumb topping crispy and golden?
Toast the panko with butter separately on the stovetop until golden before sprinkling it on top. Adding Parmesan cheese also helps crisp up the topping with extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe is a true game changer for comfort food lovers. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and the corn adds a sunny, sweet twist that makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe has your back for a cozy, delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese 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 sweet whole kernel and cream-style corn, all baked together with elbow macaroni for a comforting, cheesy casserole topped with a crunchy parmesan-panko breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base
- 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)
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese.
- 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 them thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Add Pasta, Cheese, and Butter: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta cheese, and cubed salted butter to the corn mixture. Stir everything well so the pasta is completely coated with the creamy corn mixture.
- Initial Baking: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to begin cooking the pasta and melting the cheese.
- Stir and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, stir the mixture well to redistribute heat and ingredients, then cover it again and bake for another 20 minutes. Check the macaroni for doneness and if it is still too firm, bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes covered.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: While the mac and cheese bakes, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and salt, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and toasted. Remove from heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese and bake for the last 15 minutes uncovered, allowing the topping to become golden and crispy.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute Velveeta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference, especially if you like it spicier or milder.
- Make sure to stir the mixture halfway to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking on the bottom.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best topping flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to thicken slightly.
