If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and full of delightful texture, this Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe is an absolute treasure. It combines the tender chewiness of wide egg noodles with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that’s both rich and perfectly balanced. With a golden, crispy Parmesan and crouton topping, this dish is a deliciously nostalgic twist on classic mac and cheese that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe hits all the right notes in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe lies in how simply each ingredient works together to create layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the crunchy topping, every component plays a vital role in making this dish unforgettable.
- Wide egg noodles: These noodles are the perfect base, offering a satisfying bite that holds up beautifully under the creamy sauce.
- Cottage cheese: Adds a subtle tang and creamy texture that makes the sauce extra lush without overwhelming richness.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Acts as a hearty, cheesy binder that infuses the dish with a smooth, savory depth.
- Half-and-half: Brings the sauce together with a silky smooth consistency and balances the cheese flavors perfectly.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it melts beautifully to give that classic mac and cheese taste.
- Cream cheese: Cubed and melted in, it adds creaminess and a subtle tang that enriches the sauce’s texture.
- Butter: Enhances richness and helps the cheese mixture melt smoothly into a luscious coating for the noodles.
- Seasoned salt and pepper: Essential for layering flavor and making every bite pop with balanced seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top to create a nutty, savory crust that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Crushed salad croutons: Added as a crunchy topping, they provide delightful texture contrast that makes the dish truly special.
How to Make Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re tender but still firm to the bite. Drain them well to avoid any sogginess later on.
Step 2: Combine Noodles and Cottage Cheese
Once drained, mix the noodles with the cottage cheese directly in the prepared baking dish. This pairing gives a wonderfully creamy base that melds beautifully with the cheeses in the next step. You can set this mixture aside while making the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan set to medium heat, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, half-and-half, shredded Cheddar cheese, cream cheese cubes, and butter. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a silky, cohesive sauce. Make sure to season with seasoned salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference for that perfect savory flavor. This step is where the sauce really comes alive.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Noodles
Pour the warm, melty cheese sauce over the noodle and cottage cheese mixture in the baking dish. Toss everything gently to ensure the noodles are nicely coated and ready to soak up all that creamy goodness during baking.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then follow with the crushed salad croutons for a crispy, flavorful crust. Bake the dish uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, signaling that perfect balance of creamy interior and crunchy finish.
How to Serve Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the rustic charm of this Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. This not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh note that cuts through the richness delightfully. A dash of smoked paprika can also bring a subtle smoky warmth if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
This hearty mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A zesty green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creaminess perfectly, while roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a lovely textural and color contrast. For an extra comfort food feast, serve alongside garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making the Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe for a crowd or a special occasion, consider baking it in individual ramekins for charming personal servings. Alternatively, layering it with cooked bacon or caramelized onions before baking adds incredible dimension, turning this familiar dish into something exciting and gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain both flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the slow melting of cheese and noodles will still feel almost fresh and comforting.
Freezing
This mac and cheese freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect dish for meal prep. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid crushing the crunchy topping, consider freezing the baked noodles and topping separately if possible, then quickly broil the topping before serving.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe gently in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning. Alternatively, microwave single portions with a splash of milk to help restore creaminess without drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles give a wonderful texture and hold the sauce well, you can use elbow macaroni, shells, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re al dente before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta variety. Make sure the condensed cheddar cheese soup and salad croutons you use are also gluten-free, or make your own crunchy topping using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
Can I add protein to this Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms can turn this mac and cheese into a more filling meal. Just mix them into the noodles before adding the cheese sauce.
How can I make this dish extra creamy?
Adding a little extra half-and-half or stirring in some sour cream with the cheeses can boost creaminess. Also, using full-fat dairy products helps create that indulgent, velvety texture everyone loves.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
The combination of grated Parmesan cheese and crushed croutons in this recipe is golden and crisp after baking. For an even crunchier finish, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it brings together creamy cheeses, tender noodles, and a crisp topping in a way that makes every bite a joy. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone seeking comfort food done just right. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a cherished recipe in your kitchen too!
Print
Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese dish featuring wide egg noodles baked in a rich blend of cheddar cheese soup, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and half-and-half, topped with Parmesan and crunchy croutons for a deliciously golden finish. Perfect for a comforting family meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package wide egg noodles
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, cubed
- 2 Tbsp butter
- Seasoned salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup crushed salad croutons
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the wide egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Noodles and Cottage Cheese: In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, mix the drained noodles with the cottage cheese until evenly combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, half-and-half, shredded Cheddar cheese, cubed cream cheese, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and all the cheese and butter are fully melted and blended. Season with seasoned salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Assemble and Mix: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the noodles and cottage cheese in the baking dish. Toss gently to combine if desired, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crushed salad croutons to add a delightful crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, creamy homemade Egg Noodle Mac & Cheese!
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce.
- If preferred, swap salad croutons for breadcrumbs to customize the topping texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Make sure to not overcook the noodles initially as they will continue cooking in the oven.
