Spread onion cream cheese and these 3 ingredients over elbow macaroni into a baking dish for a simple dinner that never disappoints

This oven baked Amish-style onion cream cheese macaroni is the kind of practical casserole that earns a permanent place in the dinner rotation. It relies on a handful of inexpensive ingredients, very little prep, and the old-fashioned baked-pasta method of letting uncooked macaroni soften right in the dish as it bakes. The onion cream cheese adds both richness and seasoning, creating a creamy, comforting supper with almost no fuss.

Serve this macaroni with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or simple buttered peas to balance the richness. It also pairs well with sliced ham, roast chicken, or applesauce if you want to lean into its homestyle, Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired feel. For a heartier meal, add warm dinner rolls to catch every bit of the creamy sauce.

Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Onion Cream Cheese Macaroni

Servings: 6

Finished baked onion cream cheese macaroni in a casserole dish

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
8 ounces store-bought onion cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Measured macaroni, onion cream cheese, milk, water, butter, salt, and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

2. Spread the uncooked elbow macaroni evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Uncooked elbow macaroni spread in a buttered baking dish

3. Spoon the softened onion cream cheese over the macaroni in small dollops, then spread it as evenly as possible across the top.

Onion cream cheese being spread over dry elbow macaroni

4. Whisk together the milk, water, salt, and black pepper, then pour the mixture slowly over the macaroni. Dot the top with the butter pieces.

Milk mixture poured over macaroni and cream cheese in baking dish

5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir well to help distribute the softening cream cheese and pasta, then smooth the mixture back into an even layer.

Partially baked macaroni being stirred in the casserole dish

6. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 20 to 25 minutes more, or until the macaroni is tender and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Final plated baked onion cream cheese macaroni with simple sides

Variations & Tips

Add cheddar: For a more classic baked macaroni flavor, stir in or sprinkle over 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar during the final bake. It gives the casserole a deeper cheese flavor and a more browned top.

Make it heartier: Add 1 to 2 cups diced cooked ham or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking if you want to turn this side dish into a fuller main course.

Watch the liquid level: Because the pasta goes into the dish uncooked, it needs enough moisture to soften properly. If your casserole looks dry when you remove the foil, add a splash of hot milk before the final bake.

Let it rest: A short rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and settle, so the servings hold together better and taste creamier.

Try a crunchy top: For a little texture, scatter buttered breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the casserole for the last 10 minutes of baking.