macaroni cheese pie recipe

macaroni cheese pie recipe

The Best macaroni cheese pie recipe

I’ve been making macaroni cheese pie for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry.

I love how the creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping come together to create a satisfying texture. My kids adore it, and I appreciate how healthy it is compared to other comfort foods. We often have leftovers, which reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

The recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you. The dish has its roots in traditional British cuisine, but I’ve adapted it to suit my family’s tastes. The result is a deliciously rich and savory pie that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack. My husband loves how easy it is to customize with different types of cheese or add-ins. I’m always happy to oblige his requests, which keeps the recipe exciting and fun for everyone involved.

Macaroni cheese pie has become an integral part of our meal planning routine, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already. You won’t be disappointed! The combination of pasta, cheese sauce, and crunchy breadcrumbs creates a delightful experience for the taste buds.

It’s also surprisingly easy to make ahead of time – simply assemble the components and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers every time.

Macaroni Cheese Pie

Macaroni Cheese Pie

4.6 from 1179 votes

A savory baked pie combining tender macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
4 to 5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, about 7 minutes.
7Drain well and set aside.
8In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
9Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
10Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
11Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
12Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
13Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
14On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
15Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the bottom and sides.
16Trim excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang, and crimp the edges with a fork.
17Pour the macaroni and cheese filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly.
18Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and set.
19Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Large pot
Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 26g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

For a crispier crust, blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes before adding the filling. You can also add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Macaroni Cheese Pie Works

Macaroni cheese pie is one of those recipes that works for almost any occasion from a casual family dinner to a holiday side dish. I always make extra because leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and you can even slice it cold for lunch the next day.

For serving I like to pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. If you have any left over store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat just pop slices in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for a minute or two. You can also cut the pie into squares and serve it as a hearty appetizer at parties.

This recipe is a keeper because it is simple to make and always gets compliments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni Cheese Pie

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this macaroni cheese pie recipe, you’ll want to use elbow macaroni – its short shape helps hold onto the cheesy sauce beautifully.

Q: Can I substitute different types of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match various cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan or even feta – each will bring its unique flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from becoming too brown?

A: To minimize browning during baking, you can cover the crust with foil or parchment paper towards the end of cooking time.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply replace traditional wheat-based breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or rice-based panko breadcrumbs.

Q: What’s the ideal temperature for storing leftovers?

A: Store leftover macaroni cheese pie at room temperature (about 70°F – 75°F) in an airtight container up to three days; refrigerate at 40°F (3°C) up to five days; freeze at -18°C (-0°F) up to two months.

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