Description
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with a sweet corn twist for a rich, hearty meal. It uses two types of corn and Velveeta cheese for a luscious texture, topped with a crunchy buttery panko and parmesan crust.
Ingredients
Scale
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 cheese (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 the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the mac and cheese.
- Combine Corn and Seasonings: In a 9×13-inch baking pan, thoroughly mix together whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta, and cubed salted butter until the elbow macaroni is well coated with the corn and milk mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then stir well, recover with foil, and bake an additional 20 minutes. If the pasta is still firm, bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter and add panko breadcrumbs and ¼ teaspoon salt. Toast them until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and golden.
- Add Parmesan to Topping: Remove the toasted breadcrumbs from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.
- Top and Final Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan topping evenly over the mac and cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
Notes
- Using both whole kernel and cream-style corn adds texture and sweetness to the dish.
- Velveeta melts smoothly, giving the sauce a creamy consistency.
- Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps the pasta cook evenly.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delicious crunch and cheesy flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if omitting mustard powder or nutmeg.
