If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that comes together with minimal fuss, the One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This cozy casserole combines the creamy richness of Velveeta with the natural sweetness of both whole kernel and cream-style corn for an irresistible twist on classic mac and cheese. Plus, it all bakes in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to savor every gooey, buttery bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a hearty family dinner, this dish strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and homestyle charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity; every ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy milk and salty butter to the fragrant spices and crunchy breadcrumb topping, these essentials come together in perfect harmony.
- Whole kernel corn (14 ounces): Adds a satisfying burst of sweet, crisp texture in every bite.
- Cream-style corn (14 ounces): Contributes creamy moisture and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- Water (1½ cups): Helps cook the pasta and balances the creamy components for smooth melding.
- Whole milk (1½ cups): Brings richness and a velvety texture to the dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle tangy warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers a subtle savory punch without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers a mild smoky depth and a lovely warm color.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a layer of aromatic sweetness and balance.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings a touch of spice to keep things lively.
- Ground nutmeg (â…› teaspoon, optional): Introduces a hint of warmth that harmonizes beautifully with the cheese.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta shape that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Velveeta (16 ounces, cubed): Melts into a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce with that signature smooth texture.
- Salted butter (½ cup, cubed): Brings richness and helps meld everything together flawlessly.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Creates a crispy, golden crust that adds a delightful textural contrast.
- Salted butter (2 tablespoons, for breadcrumbs): Toasts the breadcrumbs to buttery perfection.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon, for breadcrumbs): Seasoning that complements the crispy topping.
- Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a nutty, savory finish to the breadcrumb topping.
How to Make One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Combine Corn and Spices
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large 9×13-inch baking pan, stir together the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg. This flavorful base is the foundation of your dish, creating a rich, aromatic sauce that will infuse every bite with warmth and depth.
Step 2: Add Pasta, Velveeta, and Butter
Next, toss the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta, and cubed butter into the corn mixture. Mix everything until the pasta is fully coated, ensuring each noodle is ready to soak up that creamy, cheesy goodness. Trust me, the combination of melted Velveeta and butter is what makes this dish irresistibly luscious.
Step 3: Bake Covered and Stir
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and let it bake for 20 minutes. After this initial cook, remove the foil and stir the mac and cheese well. This step helps redistribute the heat and flavors evenly, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick and the cheese melts perfectly. Recover the dish and bake for another 20 minutes. If the pasta still feels too firm for your liking, feel free to bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your preferred tenderness.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
While the mac and cheese finishes baking, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and ¼ teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally as they toast to a golden crunch. Once toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese, infusing the crumbs with an irresistible savory richness.
Step 5: Add Topping and Final Bake
Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb and parmesan mixture evenly over the baked mac and cheese. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes to let the topping crisp up beautifully, creating a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta beneath. This final touch elevates the whole meal, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
How to Serve One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant note, consider topping your creamy mac and cheese with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives. A light sprinkle of paprika or even a drizzle of hot sauce can give a subtle kick and a pop of color, balancing out the richness with brightness and a little heat.
Side Dishes
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken can round out your meal beautifully. The creamy, sweet flavors of the dish complement simple, fresh sides that keep the plate balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with the breadcrumb crust for a personalized touch. Or, turn it into a crowd-pleasing casserole for parties by placing it in a decorative baking dish with fresh herbs sprinkled on top. No matter the presentation, this dish invites warmth and comfort to your table every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for easy next-day meals that taste just as satisfying as when fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the mac and cheese, allow it to cool completely first, then pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Just remember the breadcrumb topping will lose some crispness when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and if you want to revive some crispiness on top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of warming. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating, though the topping won’t stay crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta brings a smooth, creamy melt that’s hard to beat, you can swap in sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and mozzarella for a more traditional mac and cheese flavor. Just be aware the texture might be slightly less silky.
Is it necessary to use both types of corn in this recipe?
Using both whole kernel and cream-style corn adds a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor—whole corn gives bursts of sweetness and bite, while cream-style corn makes the sauce luscious. However, if you only have one, you can use it alone and still get a tasty dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian, as it contains no meat or meat-based broths. Just be sure your cheese and butter are vegetarian-friendly if that’s important to you.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs in the topping?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers like Ritz or saltines. They won’t be quite as light and crispy, but will still give a nice crunchy topping.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle a little hot sauce over the finished dish before serving for a spicy kick that complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that brings comfort and joy in every spoonful, and this One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe does just that. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to share with friends and family. I encourage you to try it and savor the perfect blend of cheesy richness and sweet corn goodness—once you do, it might just become your favorite go-to comfort food too.
Print
One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Dish Corn Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with the sweet crunch of whole kernel and cream-style corn, baked to perfection with a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping. An easy, comforting casserole that comes together in one pan and delivers rich, savory flavors infused with subtle spices like paprika, garlic, and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base
- 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 (cubed)
- ½ cup salted butter (cubed)
Breadcrumb Topping
- 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 F to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese dish.
- Mix the corn and liquid base. In a 9×13-inch baking pan, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, water, whole milk, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to blend all the spices and liquids evenly.
- Add pasta and cheese. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed Velveeta, and cubed salted butter into the corn mixture. Mix well ensuring macaroni is coated with the creamy corn and cheese mixture.
- Bake covered. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil carefully, stir the mixture well, recover, and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Check the pasta doneness and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes if it is still too firm.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping. In a small skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and salt, toasting them while stirring until breadcrumbs are evenly coated and golden.
- Add parmesan and bake with topping. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden topping.
Notes
- Mustard powder and nutmeg are optional but add a subtle depth of flavor to the dish.
- Velveeta is used for its creamy melting qualities; you can substitute with another melting cheese if preferred.
- Ensure to stir the casserole halfway through baking for even cooking and preventing sticking.
- The breadcrumb topping can be omitted for a softer finish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
