Easy & Delicious Homemade Macaroni & Cheese Casserole | Simple to Make Dinner Side Dish

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Boil water for macaroni noodles.

Add 1 and 3/4 cup uncooked macaroni to boiling water and cook for 7 minutes according to package instructions.

In a bowl, combine 10 oz cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and a dash of black pepper.

Add 1 and 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture.

Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese mixture.

Mix all ingredients together until well incorporated.

If preparing ahead of time, refrigerate overnight and add extra milk before baking.

Pour the mixture into a 1 and 1/2 quart casserole dish and spread evenly.

Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

After 20 minutes, add an additional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1 and 1/2 cups crispy fried onions on top, spreading evenly.

Return to the oven and cook at 400°F for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and onions crisp up.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens