Macaroni and cheese casserole is a comforting staple in American cuisine, beloved for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Originating from European pasta and cheese dishes, it became popular in the U.S. thanks in part to Thomas Jefferson, who encountered it in France and brought the concept home. This particular version, featuring green pepper, dry mustard, pimiento, and a blend of sharp cheddar, adds a Southern twist. Baked to golden perfection, it embodies the hearty, family-style meals that are central to American comfort food traditions. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and holidays, it’s a warm, nostalgic dish that continues to bring people together.
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni (cooked and drained)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup green pepper (chopped)
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp pimiento (chopped)
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (sharp, grated)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, butter, green pepper, dry mustard, salt, chopped pimiento, and 1½ cups of the grated cheese.
Step 3: Add Milk
- Stir in the milk until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Spread the remaining 1½ cups of cheese evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Tips
- Substitute monterey jack or colby cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add crumbled bacon or sautéed onions for extra richness.
- Mix in cooked chicken or ham for a protein boost.
- Top with buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust.
- Use evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a creamier texture.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Macroni Cheese Casserole 8 oz. macroni cooked and drained 1T butter 1/4cup green pepper chopped ( Iuse less) 1 t dry mustard 1/2 t salt 2 T pimiento chopped 3 cupscheddar cheese #(sharp)grated 1 cup milk Spread 1/2 of cheese on top Bake 350 degrees about 45 minutes
From Transcription to Instructions
Hey , the original directions are short and to the point, listing the macaroni, cheese and a bake time but not the order; our instructions break that up for you. They tell you to cook and drain the macaroni, mix 1½ cups of the grated cheddar into the pasta with butter, green pepper, dry mustard, salt and pimiento, stir in the milk, pour into a greased dish and sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups on top before baking at 350°F for about 45 minutes. That makes it clear when the milk and which cheese go in.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 20gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 435mgPotassium: 219mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 788IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 465mgIron: 1mg
