Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Prepare to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort food experience—this Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is a warm, bubbly, and outrageously satisfying blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, sweet corn, smoky bacon, and crispy topping. It delivers all the rich, gooey indulgence you crave, with layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd at a holiday dinner or just looking to jazz up a weeknight meal, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser and destined to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! This dish comes together with a short but superstar lineup. Each one brings something special—creamy, savory, crunchy, or colorful—making this casserole truly “loaded” and unforgettable.
- Elbow macaroni (1 1/2 cups, uncooked): The perfect small pasta shape to capture all that luscious, cheesy sauce.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps everything meld together.
- Whole kernel corn (1 15 oz can, drained): For bursts of sweet, juicy corn in every bite.
- Cream-style corn (1 15 oz can): Brings creaminess and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives the casserole a tangy, velvety finish.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Makes sure the sauce stays smooth and luscious.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of heat to punch up the taste.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings savory depth and aroma.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness that elevates every forkful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): The melty, bold cheese flavor we all crave.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): For that stretchy, gooey cheese moment.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/4 cup): Smoky, savory bites throughout; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Freshness and a pop of color both inside and on top.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional, for topping): Delivers a golden, crisp finish if desired.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional, for topping): Helps your crispy topping brown beautifully.
How to Make Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first: get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This step ensures nothing sticks and your casserole comes out with perfectly golden edges.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Cook until just al dente—it should be tender with a bit of bite, usually about 6–7 minutes. Drain it well and set aside. You want the noodles to finish cooking in the oven, where they’ll soak up the cheesy, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and one cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until everything’s fabulously combined—it should look creamy, speckled, and inviting already!
Step 4: Bring In the Good Stuff
Fold in the drained macaroni, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Mixing these in now ensures every scoop of your Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is brimming with delicious bits of everything.
Step 5: Assemble in the Casserole Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out for an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top for an irresistible cheesy crust. If you love a crispy finish, stir together the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter this mixture evenly over the surface.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly, golden, and smells like pure comfort. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing in—this helps everything set up for perfect servings.
Step 7: Add Fresh Garnishes and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle on the remaining sliced green onions. That burst of green not only looks gorgeous but also adds a subtle crispness with every bite. Now dig in and watch your guests swoon!
How to Serve Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The crowning touch for your Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is a generous scattering of fresh green onions right before it hits the table. For bonus flair, add a dash of extra smoked paprika or a sprinkle of more crumbled bacon. These pops of color and flavor make the casserole look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans to balance out the richness. A slice of warm, crusty bread makes a perfect companion for scooping up every last cheesy bit, and complements the texture of the casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for dinner party elegance, or scoop it into waffle cones for a whimsical twist at family gatherings. You can even offer a toppings bar with chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices, letting everyone personalize their own helping of Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated bite just as good—if not better—than the first.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Assemble the casserole (without the crispy topping), then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping if using, and bake as usual for a fresh-from-the-oven meal.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven, tented with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat on medium power.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
Skip the bacon entirely, or swap it for some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of meaty flavor without the meat. The Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe still shines!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Try diced jalapeños for heat, roasted bell peppers for sweetness, or even cooked shredded chicken for more protein. Make it your own; this recipe is flexible and eager for your creative touch.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the crackers or breadcrumbs with a GF variety—or simply skip the topping. Every other ingredient in the Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten free.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting dry?
Be sure to only cook the macaroni until just al dente, don’t skimp on the creamy ingredients, and always cover the casserole if you’re reheating it. This ensures it stays moist, melty, and perfectly scoopable every time.
Final Thoughts
Warm, abundant, and bursting with personality, this Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is pure comfort in a dish. Whether you’re sharing it with friends around a holiday table or treating yourself on a cozy night in, you’re just a spoonful away from smiles all around. Give it a try—the hardest part will be waiting for it to come out of the oven!
Print
Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delicious Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole that combines the creaminess of mac and cheese with the sweetness of corn, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions (sliced)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, milk, seasonings, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Add in macaroni, mozzarella cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the casserole dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and optional cracker/breadcrumb topping. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 1 day in advance.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick.
- Great as a side dish or main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
