Macaroni Corn Casserole (Printable Recipe)

A cheesy mash-up of macaroni, corn, and bacon with a crispy panko topping and rich flavor.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Topping

01 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
04 - 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Cheese Sauce & Casserole Base

05 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
07 - 3 cups whole milk, warmed
08 - 6 ounces white Cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
10 - 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
11 - 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
12 - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
13 - 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
14 - 3/4 teaspoon grated garlic
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
17 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine panko, melted butter, 1/4 cup scallions, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Toss until well coated. Set aside.
02 - Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth. Simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and cook, whisking, until thickened, about 4 minutes.
03 - Remove sauce from heat. Stir in Cheddar and Gruyère until melted. Mix in cooked macaroni, corn, bacon, dry mustard, garlic, cayenne, remaining scallions, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
04 - Transfer mixture to a 2-quart broiler-safe baking dish. Top evenly with prepared panko mixture. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
05 - Increase oven to broil and preheat for 3 minutes. Return casserole to oven and broil until top is golden, about 2 minutes.
06 - Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the cheese sauce thicken and improves sliceability.