A comforting oven-baked macaroni casserole with cheddar cheese, creamy mushroom soup, onion, and a crisp breadcrumb topping. The casserole is assembled in advance and refrigerated overnight, making it convenient for an easy family meal.
Combine the cream of mushroom soup, water, chopped onion, uncooked macaroni, cubed cheddar cheese, and 30 g margarine in a mixing bowl.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 8 × 8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine the breadcrumbs and melted margarine in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the refrigerated macaroni.
Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, until the macaroni is tender, the sauce is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Allow to stand briefly before serving hot.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni bake hot as a comforting main dish with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. It can also be served in smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables or another simple side dish.
Recipe Notes
The overnight refrigeration is an important part of this recipe. It gives the uncooked macaroni time to absorb moisture from the soup and water before baking. Keep the baking dish covered while it refrigerates.Use fine breadcrumbs for an even, crisp topping. Allow the casserole to stand for about 5 minutes after baking so the creamy sauce can settle slightly before serving.
Variations
Add chopped parsley, chives, black pepper, paprika, or garlic powder for additional flavour. A sharper mature cheddar can be used when you prefer a stronger cheese flavour. Small cooked vegetables such as peas or finely chopped broccoli can also be added to the macaroni mixture.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until thoroughly hot. The breadcrumb topping will remain crisper when the casserole is reheated in the oven.
Wine Advice
A lightly oaked Chardonnay works well with the cheddar and creamy mushroom sauce. Its freshness helps balance the richness of the casserole.