Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up! I’m about to drop a flavor bomb that will change your casserole game forever. We’re talking Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe, Cuba Queen style. This isn’t your grandma’s bland side dish – this is a creamy, cheesy, corn-studded masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds. For a little inspiration, check out this Macaroni Corn Casserole – About a Mom article!

I knew I had to share this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe because it’s a dish that completely embodies my “no boring meals” motto. Seriously, every bite is an explosion of flavor that you won’t soon forget. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary playground with this unbelievably easy recipe!

I first tasted something similar years ago at a potluck, but it was missing… something. It was nice, but not knock-your-socks-off amazing. So, being the flavor obsessed queen I am, I took it upon myself to create the ULTIMATE Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe.

The secret? A blend of cheeses that bring the richness, plus a hint of spice that keeps things interesting. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and excitement, guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. Consider this your invitation to a Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe fiesta in your mouth!

This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience. I’m talking about the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. This recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavor, simple ingredients, and unforgettable moments around the table.

So, get ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. I’m beyond thrilled to share this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe with you, and I know you’re going to absolutely crush it! Get ready for some cheesy, corny goodness, that your family will rave about. It is easy macaroni corn casserole, and you will be blown away.

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking about simple ingredients that combine to create a flavor explosion. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect creamy, cheesy, corn-filled bite.

1 pound elbow macaroni: Don’t overcook it! Al dente is the way to go, so it holds its shape in the casserole.
1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn: This is the base for that creamy, dreamy texture we all crave in this cheesy macaroni corn casserole.
1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained: Adds that perfect pop of sweetness and texture.
1 cup sour cream: The secret to richness. Don’t skimp on this, flavor adventurers!
1 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle tang.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The classic, cheesy goodness everyone expects.
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This adds a little meltiness and some extra creaminess, so don’t skip this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe ingredient!
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty, umami kick.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: My secret weapon! Adds a hint of smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy! Season generously.

The secret to an epic Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is using high-quality cheeses. Trust me, it makes all the difference! Splurge on the good stuff – you won’t regret it. The best ingredients for this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe can be found at your local farmer’s market or specialty cheese shop. This will give your dish the best flavor.

If you’re on a budget, you can substitute the Monterey Jack with more cheddar, but I highly recommend sticking to the smoked paprika. It’s a real game-changer! For a flavor-boosting modification, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. Creamy corn casserole with pasta is super versatile, and you can adjust ingredients based on your liking. For a delicious fall twist, add roasted butternut squash, similar to my Butternut Squash Casserole!

Store your cheeses in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe will be made even better by freshly grated cheese. That is my tip for your consideration.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get cooking! This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is so easy, even a kitchen newbie can pull it off. Don’t stress – your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is going to be incredible! I promise.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial! Make sure your oven is properly heated before you start.
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it, or it will get mushy in the casserole. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe needs perfectly cooked pasta.
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese mixture. In a large bowl, combine the creamed corn, whole kernel corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring all the macaroni is coated in that delicious, cheesy sauce. This creamy corn casserole with pasta is looking delectable, I know!
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for even baking. You can use butter or cooking spray to grease the pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! Ovens vary, so it might take a little more or less time. In my kitchen, this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe takes exactly 32 minutes to reach that perfect golden-brown color.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue (trust me, I’ve been there!). This easy macaroni corn casserole is amazing served warm.

Pro tip for Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe perfection: sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra crispy, cheesy crust. This is where your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe transforms into pure magic!

While your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is working its magic in the oven, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Sensory cues for success: Your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe should look golden brown, bubbly around the edges, and smell absolutely divine.

Here’s where most people mess up their Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe – they don’t season it enough! Don’t be afraid to add salt and pepper to taste. It really makes a difference!

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is key, flavor adventurers! You can’t serve up this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe in any old dish and expect to impress. Let’s talk about how to make this dish a visual masterpiece.

For maximum impact, serve this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe straight from the oven in a beautiful ceramic baking dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few sprigs of thyme for a pop of color. If you want to get really fancy, you can drizzle a little bit of melted butter over the top for extra shine.

Perfect occasions for this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe: potlucks, holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, and even brunch! People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe at Thanksgiving!

Bold pairing suggestions that complement this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe: BBQ ribs, fried chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic with a side of cornbread. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe absolutely slays at dinner parties! It’s always the first dish to disappear.

Instagram-worthy plating techniques: Use a large serving spoon to scoop out generous portions of the casserole. Arrange it on a plate with your chosen sides, making sure to leave some space for visual appeal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of color and heat.

Creative leftover transformations: Turn leftover Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe into crispy fritters by mixing it with a little flour and frying it in oil. Or, add it to a grilled cheese sandwich for a truly decadent treat.

Seasonal Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe variations I’ve tested: In the fall, I like to add roasted butternut squash for a sweet and savory twist. In the summer, I add fresh tomatoes and basil for a burst of freshness. You should try both of these! The butternut squash version is just amazing.

If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Sweet Marshmallow Popcorn Balls! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Slow Cooker Taco Casserole. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe reminds me of another flavor explosion, the Butternut Squash Casserole!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers, flavor adventurers! Here are some of the most common cooking challenges I’ve encountered while perfecting this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe.

Q: Can I make this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe spicier?

A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture or use a spicier cheese, like pepper jack. I’ve even added a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream for my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe?

A: You can substitute plain Greek yogurt. It will add a similar tang and creaminess.

Q: Can I use frozen corn in this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe?

A: Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole.

Q: How do I know when my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is perfectly done?

A: It should be golden brown and bubbly around the edges. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Q: Can I make this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?

A: You can substitute it with mozzarella or provolone cheese. Both will melt nicely and add a similar flavor.

Q: Can I add meat to this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe?

A: Of course! Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the cheese mixture before baking.

I’ve tested so many customization options for this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe, and the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Community feedback about my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe has been overwhelmingly positive. People love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes!

This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family! I have full confidence in your cooking success.

CONCLUSION:

This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavor, simple ingredients, and unforgettable moments around the table. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for any occasion. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a flavor adventure!

My Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe Power Tips:

Don’t overcook the macaroni! Al dente is the way to go.
Season generously! Salt and pepper are your friends.
Use high-quality cheeses! It makes all the difference.

Here are a few Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe variations I’ve created and loved:

Spicy Macaroni Corn Casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and some diced jalapeños.
Bacon Macaroni Corn Casserole: Add cooked bacon to the cheese mixture.
Butternut Squash Macaroni Corn Casserole: Add roasted butternut squash for a sweet and savory twist.

The Bacon Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe version gets the biggest reactions!

I encourage you to make this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe your signature dish. It’s so easy to customize and adapt to your own tastes. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! Also, don’t miss this Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe for additional ideas!

I have no doubt that you’ll create some truly unforgettable Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe memories. So, go ahead and give it a try! Looking for holiday side dish ideas? Check out What are some different yet simple side dish ideas for the holidays?

I’m confident that you will make this the best macaroni corn bake ever. Share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Let’s get cooking, flavor adventurers! Let me know in the comments how this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe turns out for you!

Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

This creamy Macaroni Corn Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish. It’s packed with cheesy goodness, sweet corn, and tender macaroni, making it perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans creamed corn
1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and smooth.
Stir in cooked macaroni, creamed corn, and whole kernel corn.
Pour into prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, top with extra shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also add diced ham or bacon for extra protein.