Load your kids up with something filling before they head out for trick-or-treating.  It might just decrease the amount of candy they want at the end of Halloween night!


But ... don’t just think of this dish for a “quick fix meal” - this is delicious and would be well-received for a potluck or game day party!


Use whatever cheeses your family likes - I’m just sharing the recipe I found and giving you a great recommendation from my cookbook library.


This recipe is from the same book - called, “The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever” by Beverly Ojakangas.  Also featured from this book is the Artichoke & Tomato Casserole and Baked Bean & Hot Dog Casserole.


Here’s the recipe ...


  1. -2 cups regular or whole-wheat macaroni (or pasta)

  2. -1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (mild, medium or sharp) I used sharp

  3. -1 8oz package cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese

  4. -1 cup undiluted evaporated milk

  5. -1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs

  6. -2 tablespoons butter, melted

  7. -1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Directions ...


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.


Cook the macaroni in boiling, salted water according to the package directions - drain but do not rinse.


Combine the macaroni with the Cheddar and cream cheese in a shallow 1-quart casserole dish.  Stir until the cream cheese melts into the hot macaroni.


Stir in the evaporated milk and scrape down the sides of the dish.


** Stirring the pasta, cheese and milk in the casserole dish worked well - next time, I think it might be more simple to mix the drained, hot macaroni with the cheeses and evaporated milk in the pan used to boil the macaroni.  Just a thought after making this.


In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.  Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.


Bake for 30 to 35 minutes - or until the breadcrumbs are browned.


If you want to add veggies or meats to make this a complete one dish meal - I might suggest using a touch more cheese and milk to that everything is coated in creamy, cheesy deliciousness.


Just a thought ... Since I served this cheesy casserole alongside the Baked Bean & Hot Dog Casserole ... I was thinking you could add the hot dog rounds to the cheese/pasta mixture and baked all together for a super kid-friendly casserole.


** I halved the recipe - my casserole was done in about 15 - 20 minutes.  And if you make this in advance and refrigerate - just add a few minutes to your baking time.


ENJOY!!