Description

This Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and Swiss, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a hearty side or main, it balances creamy and crunchy textures with a touch of spice from cayenne and paprika, making it a family-friendly crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces short pasta (such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)

Cheese Sauce

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

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, dry mustard, pressed garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, white pepper, salt, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Once the cheese has melted fully, fold in half of the chopped scallions and all of the 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 evenly over it. Stir gently to combine.
Make Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the seasoned breadcrumbs and the remaining chopped scallions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes. Then increase the oven heat to low broil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the breadcrumb topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

Using warmed milk helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother cheese sauce.
For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking during the bake.
Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor; if unavailable, mix plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of garlic powder and salt.
Letting the casserole rest before serving ensures cleaner slices and better texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American