Here’s a simple, delicious cheese casserole recipe you can try at home:
Cheese Casserole
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, macaroni, or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix cheddar + mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta – Boil pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 1 1/2–2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce – Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Pour pasta-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake: 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips for Extra Flavor:
- Add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to the pasta before baking.
- Swap half the cheddar for smoked cheese for a richer taste.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce adds subtle warmth.
If you want, I can give you a super-easy 10-minute version of cheese casserole that uses just 5 ingredients and no roux. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights. Do you want me to?
