Macaroni Schotel

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the heartwarming vibes? Let me introduce you to Macaroni Schotel—a creamy, cheesy, baked pasta dish that’s a staple in many Dutch homes. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish, with tender macaroni, savory ham, and a rich, creamy sauce. Imagine a golden, cheesy top, with every bite delivering that perfect balance of gooeyness and comfort. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food. It’s so simple yet so satisfying, and the best part? It’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Macaroni Schotel

Here’s why Macaroni Schotel is a dish you’ll fall in love with:

Hearty and Filling: This dish has everything you need—pasta, protein, and a creamy sauce. It’s filling and satisfying, making it the perfect dinner for a cozy night in.

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll feel like a pro!

Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is ideal for meal prep. You can make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it for days. The flavors only get better after a day or two!

Customizable: Don’t have ham on hand? No problem! You can swap in any protein, like chicken or sausage, or make it vegetarian with some extra veggies. It’s super flexible.

Cheese Lovers’ Dream: A golden, melty cheese topping? Yes, please! The cheese makes this dish so indulgent and adds an extra layer of comfort.

Ingredients

For the Macaroni Schotel:

• Macaroni: The base of this dish. Small pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce and add texture to every bite.
• Ham: Tender ham adds a savory, salty element that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Cheese: A mix of grated cheese (like Gouda or cheddar) creates that beautiful, cheesy, golden crust that makes this dish irresistible.
• Eggs: The binder that brings the sauce together. It creates a custard-like texture in the filling, making it rich and creamy.
• Milk: Adds the creamy consistency to the sauce, helping it to coat the pasta and ham perfectly.
• Cream: To make the sauce even richer and more indulgent. It gives the dish that velvety texture.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• Butter: For greasing the dish and adding a little richness to the sauce.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni
   Boil the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cream. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in about half of the grated cheese. This will form your creamy, cheesy sauce that will coat the macaroni.
3. Combine the Ingredients
   In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked macaroni, chopped ham, and the cheesy sauce. Mix everything together so the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
4. Top with Cheese
   Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the macaroni mixture. This will form the delicious, golden crust as it bakes.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Bake the macaroni schotel in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. You can also broil for a minute or two at the end to get the top extra crispy if you like.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 17g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Macaroni Schotel

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the macaroni schotel.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a nice balance of flavors and textures.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh finish.
• As Part of a Buffet: This dish works great at gatherings. Serve it alongside other hearty dishes like lasagna or casseroles for a comfort food spread.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the macaroni schotel a day ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This will save you time on busy days!
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
• Add Spices: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or a dash of paprika into the sauce.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

Q2: Can I make this dish without ham?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap in chicken, bacon, sausage, or even go for a completely vegetarian option by adding extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Simply substitute the regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q4: Can I use non-dairy alternatives for the milk and cream?
A4: Yes, you can use almond milk or soy milk, and coconut cream or cashew cream as alternatives for the dairy components.

Q5: How can I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze it before baking! Just assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Q7: Can I use shredded cheese instead of grated?
A7: Absolutely! Shredded cheese will work just as well. It may melt slightly differently, but it will still be delicious.

Q8: How do I prevent the top from burning?
A8: Keep an eye on the dish while baking. If the top is getting too brown before the center is fully set, cover it with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Q9: How do I make this spicier?
A9: Add some chili flakes to the sauce or mix in some spicy sausage for an extra kick.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Macaroni Schotel is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or serving a crowd. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory ham, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this dish will always hit the spot. Enjoy!

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