Macaroni Pie – Spaghetti and Cheese – the ultimate mac and cheese. Tender vermicelli tossed with eggs, milk, a touch of dry mustard and cayenne, and plenty of sharp cheddar creates an indulgent, gooey casserole. Serve it as a hearty side or add ham or chicken to make it a satisfying main. This recipe is simple to halve and easy to scale for a crowd. Everyone who tried it loved this comforting, cheesy dish.
Stop what you are doing and make this Macaroni Pie as soon as you can. It’s made with thin spaghetti or vermicelli instead of elbow macaroni, which gives the casserole a lovely texture and helps it set into a sliceable pie. The base is simple: cooked pasta combined with beaten eggs and milk, seasoned with dry mustard and a pinch of cayenne for warmth, then folded together with generous amounts of shredded cheddar. The result is rich, creamy, and perfectly baked to a golden-brown, bubbly finish.
This dish is remarkably easy to prepare and requires just a few straightforward steps. First, cook the vermicelli or thin spaghetti until tender, then drain well. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with milk and seasonings. Add most of the shredded cheddar to the egg mixture along with the drained pasta, stir until the cheese melts into the custard-like sauce, then transfer everything to a prepared baking pan. Finish with the remaining cheese on top and bake until the surface is golden and the filling is set. A 12-inch cast iron skillet works beautifully for baking and gives the edges a pleasant, slightly crisp texture; alternatively, a 9×13-inch baking dish is a convenient option.
This recipe yields a generous amount of cheesy pasta, enough to feed a crowd or provide leftovers for the week. If you don’t need a large batch, the ingredients can be halved easily. You can also divide the mixture between two pans — bake one and freeze the other for a future meal. Macaroni Pie pairs well with roast or grilled meats, and it makes a comforting accompaniment to salads and simple vegetable sides.
Wicked Awesome Chicken
Simple, four-ingredient marinated chicken that’s flavorful and easy to prepare — a natural pairing with cheesy pasta dishes.
Cola Glazed Baked Ham
A sweet and savory glazed ham that complements rich, cheesy casseroles for holiday meals or special dinners.
Ginger Ale Pork Tenderloin Marinade
A tender, flavorful pork option that pairs nicely with creamy pasta sides for a well-rounded meal.
Marinated Grilled Hot Dogs
A playful, crowd-pleasing side for casual gatherings — mac and cheese makes a great pairing.
Macaroni Pie
Equipment
- 12-inch cast iron skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 16 oz vermicelli or thin spaghetti
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain well and return to the pot or place in a very large bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until combined. Stir in 4 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the drained pasta to the egg-and-cheese mixture and toss gently to coat, allowing the residual heat to soften the cheese slightly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbling, and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole assembled and refrigerated unbaked overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.
- Add cooked diced ham or shredded cooked chicken to the pasta mixture to turn this into a main course.
- Use any cheese you prefer — a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Gruyère adds different flavor profiles.
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. This recipe is provided for informational purposes only.
