This oven-baked Amish-style cream of bacon macaroni is the kind of practical casserole that earns a regular place in a busy weeknight rotation. It relies on pantry staples, a can of cream of bacon soup, and uncooked elbow macaroni that softens right in the baking dish, creating a creamy, satisfying dinner with very little hands-on work. Recipes like this reflect the straightforward, resourceful style often associated with Amish home cooking, where simple ingredients are used to make filling meals for the family table.
Serve this rich macaroni casserole with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, buttered peas, or roasted broccoli to balance the creamy texture. It also pairs nicely with sliced tomatoes, applesauce, or warm dinner rolls, and if you want to round it out further, a side of pickles or coleslaw adds a welcome tangy contrast.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Cream of Bacon Macaroni
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of bacon soup
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Pour the uncooked elbow macaroni into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
3. Spoon the cream of bacon soup over the macaroni, then pour in the milk. Stir gently until the macaroni is evenly coated and the soup begins to blend with the milk.
4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for the top.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir the casserole well, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the macaroni is tender and the top is melted and lightly golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Add a crunchy topping: For a little texture, scatter buttered breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the casserole during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking so the top turns crisp and golden.
Use a different cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the dish a classic flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend all melt well and can change the flavor without complicating the recipe.
Check the pasta before serving: Because oven temperatures and dish materials vary, test a piece of macaroni before taking the casserole out for good. If it needs more time, add a splash of milk, cover loosely, and bake a few minutes longer.
Make it heartier: If you want to stretch this into an even fuller meal, stir in cooked peas, sautéed onions, or a little chopped cooked bacon before baking, keeping in mind that the original version is prized for its simplicity.