Foolproof Macaroni Pie Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish this Thanksgiving?

Say hello to your new favorite: Macaroni Pie—a baked pasta classic that combines cheesy indulgence with a firm, sliceable texture that's perfect for the holiday table. While some mac and cheese recipes lean too creamy or overly rich, this foolproof version strikes the perfect balance. With a secret ingredient (hint: mustard!) to elevate the flavor and a crispy golden topping, this recipe promises to be a hit with your family and friends.

Whether you're hosting or bringing a dish to share, this macaroni pie is easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Let's dive into what makes this recipe unforgettable!

Tips to Ensure Your Macaroni Pie Comes Out Perfect Every Time

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente

   • Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture.

2. Shred Your Own Cheese

   • Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, shred your cheese fresh to ensure a silky, rich sauce.

3. Use the Right Cheese Blend

   • Combine cheeses with different qualities:

     • Mild Gouda or Colby Jack for creaminess.

     • Sharp Cheddar for a bold, tangy kick.

     • Provolone or Parmesan for depth and flavor.

   • Avoid overly creamy cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta, which can make the dish too rich.

4. Don’t Overdo the Sauce

   • The sauce should coat the pasta without being excessive. A drier macaroni mixture will firm up better during baking and give that classic pie-like texture.

5. Use a Secret Ingredient for Depth

   • A little Dijon mustard or smoked paprika adds a subtle tang and smoky flavor that takes your macaroni pie from good to great without being obvious.

6. Bake for the Right Amount of Time

   • Bake until the topping is golden and crispy, and the dish is just set. Overbaking can dry it out, while underbaking leaves it too creamy.

7. Rest Before Serving

   • Let the macaroni pie cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to serve and enhancing the texture.

8. Customize the Topping

   • Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and parmesan for a crunchy, golden topping. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs over the breadcrumbs.

9. Taste the Sauce Before Combining

   • Once your sauce is seasoned and the cheese is melted, taste it before adding the pasta. Adjust the salt, pepper, and mustard to suit your preferences.

10. Use the Right Baking Dish

    • A 9x13-inch dish ensures even baking. If you’re doubling the recipe, divide it into two dishes instead of one larger pan to prevent uneven cooking.

Bonus Tip: Test Before Thanksgiving

If this is your first time making macaroni pie, try a test run before the big day. It’ll give you a chance to tweak the recipe to your liking and ensure everything goes smoothly when it counts!

These tips will help ensure your macaroni pie is perfectly cheesy, flavorful, and sliceable—sure to impress all your guests! Let me know if you want tips for troubleshooting specific issues like dry or overly creamy results.

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Foolproof Macaroni Pie Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Yield 8-10

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

20 Min

Total time

20 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Cheeses:

• 1 cup gouda (mild or aged), shredded
• 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup provolone, shredded
• 1 cup colby jack, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan, grated (for topping)

Pasta:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)

Seasonings:

• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (your secret ingredient)

Roux Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (½ stick)
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

Liquids:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
3. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk, whole milk, and cream. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the gouda, sharp cheddar, provolone, and colby jack in small handfuls. Stir until just melted and smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent the sauce from breaking.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. The sauce should cling to the pasta without pooling.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, smoked paprika, and parmesan in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
9. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp and the macaroni pie is set.
10. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow it to firm up. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Key Adjustments:

1. Reduced Cheese: Balanced the cheese to 4 cups total (instead of 8) to prevent it from overwhelming the dish.
2. Reduced Liquids: Adjusted the sauce to be just enough to coat the pasta, ensuring it sets well in the oven.
3. Extra Baking Time: Baking for longer helps the dish firm up for clean, pie-like slices.
4. Crunchy Topping: Adds contrast to the creamy interior for the perfect texture balance.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

797

Fat

46 g

Sat. Fat

28 g

Carbs

60 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

57 g

Sugar

9 g

Protein

37 g

Sodium

1342 mg

Cholesterol

140 mg

Similar Recipes

Creamy Caribbean Rasta Pasta with Jerk Shrimp (Holiday Showstopper)

One Pan Salmon Rotini

Whole Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe (Perfect for Thanksgiving!)

Cheddar Mozzarella Turkey Pesto Sliders Recipe: Easy and Delicious for Any Occasion

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @kimalexandermua on instagram and hashtag it #homecookblog