Description
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring a blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a flavorful breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this baked casserole delivers rich, savory flavors with a delightful crunchy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Sauce
- 8 ounces short pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about ½ cup)
- 5 scallions, chopped and divided
Breadcrumb Topping
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to be combined later in the casserole.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the warm whole milk and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, dry ground mustard, pressed garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, white pepper, salt, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, mix in half of the chopped scallions and all of the frozen corn.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to combine the pasta and sauce evenly.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, seasoned breadcrumbs, and the remaining chopped scallions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the assembled casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then increase the oven setting to low broil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Using warm milk helps prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven or air fryer before crumbling.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs add more flavor, but plain breadcrumbs can be used with a pinch of garlic powder and salt.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
- Feel free to swap frozen corn with fresh or canned corn (drained) if preferred.
