Cheesy Mushroom Mac Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Mushroom Mac Casserole, a delightful twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This creamy dish combines elbow macaroni, rich cream of mushroom soup, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese for a savory, cheesy experience. With a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, every bite is full of texture and flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. Serve it warm for a cozy dinner that everyone will love!
4
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 ounces) (prepared)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (preferably Hellmann's)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Pimientos
1 jar (4 ounces) (drained and chopped)
Ritz crackers
3/4 cup (crushed (about 15 crackers))
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and mix until well combined.
4
Gently fold in the pimientos, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5
Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish and spoon the macaroni mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated.
7
Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the top of the macaroni mixture, ensuring even coverage.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden and crispy.
9
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
40g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mushroom Mac Casserole?
It is a creamy twist on classic macaroni and cheese featuring elbow macaroni, cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar, and a Ritz cracker topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake for about 30 minutes until heated through and the top is golden and crispy.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A lightly greased 2-quart casserole dish is ideal for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can I use any brand of mayonnaise?
The recipe suggests using Hellmann's mayonnaise for the best flavor, but you can use your preferred brand.
What type of cheese is best?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor.
How do I prepare the Ritz cracker topping?
Mix 3/4 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until evenly coated.
Should the macaroni be fully cooked before mixing?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions before being added to the mixture.
What are pimientos and how are they used?
Pimientos are mild chili peppers; this recipe uses a 4-ounce jar, drained and chopped, folded into the macaroni mixture.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving in this dish.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
This recipe provides 12 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use a different soup base?
While cream of mushroom is traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with cream of chicken or cream of celery.
Is the Ritz cracker topping mandatory?
While not mandatory, the Ritz crackers provide the signature crunch and texture that defines this casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the cracker topping has turned golden brown.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the macaroni mixture in advance and add the cracker topping just before baking.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the 2-quart casserole dish to prevent the macaroni from sticking.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, the recipe calls for shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which can be pre-shredded or freshly grated.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The texture is creamy on the inside with a crunchy, buttery topping.
How many Ritz crackers are needed for 3/4 cup?
Approximately 15 Ritz crackers crushed will give you the required 3/4 cup.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely, peas or sautéed mushrooms would make great additions to the macaroni mixture.
What is the main flavor profile?
The flavor is savory and cheesy with a hint of mushroom and sweetness from the pimientos.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, it is easy to transport and generally very popular at family gatherings and potlucks.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, though baking time may increase slightly.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, creamy flavors.