If you adore comforting, cheesy dishes that bring a little extra something special to the table, then you are going to fall in love with this Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, gooey cheese, tender pasta, sweet corn, and crispy bacon all baked into one irresistible casserole. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a warm hug on a plate that truly satisfies every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that make every bite a flavor explosion. Each component plays a key role — from the sharp cheddar providing that classic cheesy punch, to the sweet corn adding bursts of freshness, and the crispy bacon introducing a smoky crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to pull this all together:
- 8 ounces short pasta: Elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work well to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps create that smooth cheese sauce and crunchy topping.
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent for the creamy béchamel base.
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed: Keeps the sauce velvety and luscious without clumping.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides bold cheesy flavor and that classic mac and cheese appeal.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Adds nutty undertones for delicious complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard: Gives a subtle tang that lifts the cheese flavors.
- 1 clove garlic, pressed: Offers just the right kick of savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings a gentle, underlying warmth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For smoky, sweet notes and beautiful color.
- Pinch of white pepper: Adds mild heat without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked for a touch of spice.
- 2 cups frozen corn: Sweet, tender, and juicy bursts of cornkernels in every bite.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about ½ cup): Crispy, smoky, and completely addictive.
- 5 scallions, chopped and divided: Mild onion flavor and a burst of green freshness.
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
How to Make Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente — tender but with a slight bite. Drain it well and set aside. This base will soak up the rich cheese sauce beautifully, so getting the texture right is key.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook it for a minute or two until it’s lightly golden and smells toasty; this is your roux, the secret to that silky sauce. Slowly add the warmed milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in all of the cheese, dry ground mustard, pressed garlic, cayenne, paprika, white pepper, salt, black pepper, and the crumbled bacon. Once the cheese is melted fully, fold in half of the chopped scallions and the frozen corn for a burst of sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta to the dish, then pour the cheese sauce on top. Stir gently to coat every pasta piece with that glorious cheesy sauce, ensuring every bite will be delicious.
Step 4: Add the Buttered Breadcrumb Topping
Melt the remaining butter and mix it with the seasoned breadcrumbs and the other half of the scallions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to add a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts the creamy pasta underneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then switch your oven to low broil and continue baking for 3-5 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is perfectly golden brown and irresistible. Let the dish sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow everything to set up beautifully.
How to Serve Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top this dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or extra scallions for color and freshness. A little drizzle of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika on top can also amp up the flavor and presentation, making your friends think you’ve become a gourmet chef overnight.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands wonderfully on its own but also pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables. For a full meal, try serving with grilled chicken or pulled pork to complement the cheesy richness with savory protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream. This approach makes the Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe feel a little fancy and perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors actually meld and taste even better the next day. Just keep in mind the breadcrumb topping may lose some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to help restore some of the topping’s crunch. If you’re in a rush, microwave covered for a couple of minutes, but you might miss out on that golden crust charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Swiss provide great flavor balance, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for a smooth sauce.
Is frozen corn better than fresh for this recipe?
Frozen corn works perfectly here because it maintains a nice texture without adding extra moisture that fresh corn might. It’s convenient and ensures those sweet corn kernels are evenly cooked throughout the casserole.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy fried mushrooms or smoked paprika for a similar savory flavor without the meat. The cheese and spices will still make this dish incredibly satisfying.
What kind of pasta works best in this casserole?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini are ideal since they hold onto the cheese sauce well. Avoid long pasta as it won’t distribute the sauce evenly.
How spicy is this casserole?
The cayenne pepper and paprika add a gentle warmth rather than overpowering heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less to suit your preference, or skip the cayenne if you want to keep it mild.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting classics that always impresses without any fuss. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wonderful textures thanks to the corn and bacon. I really encourage you to try it out — it’s perfect for cozy nights and fantastic for sharing with friends and family. Get ready to earn some serious compliments from everyone lucky enough to try this gem!
Print
Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Mac & Cheese Corn Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy cheddar and Swiss cheese sauce with tender pasta, sweet corn, and crispy bacon. Topped with buttery seasoned breadcrumbs and scallions, it’s a perfect side or main for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
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
Topping
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s thickened and lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and continue cooking 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. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, then fold in half of the chopped scallions and all of the frozen corn.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked pasta to the dish, then pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Make Topping: Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the seasoned breadcrumbs and the remaining chopped scallions. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes at 350°F. Then increase the heat to low broil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use whole milk warmed slightly for a smooth sauce; avoid cold milk which can cause lumps.
- Frozen corn can be used directly; no need to thaw before adding to sauce.
- For extra crisp bacon, bake or pan-fry before crumbling.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor, but plain breadcrumbs can be used with added seasoning if preferred.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and hold together better when serving.
- Consider using gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version, adjusting cook times accordingly.
