Pin This creamy, tangy macaroni and cheese casserole transforms the classic comfort food with the unexpected zip of dill pickles. The combination might sound unusual, but trust me—the briny crunch of pickles cuts through the rich cheese sauce perfectly, creating a balanced dish that pickle lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike will devour.
I created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when my family was craving something comforting but different. My pickle-obsessed daughter suggested adding her favorite food to our mac and cheese, and to everyone's surprise, it was an instant hit that's now requested at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: Traditional pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly in its curves and crevices
- Unsalted butter: Creates the base for your roux and adds richness. Always use unsalted to control the salt level
- All purpose flour: Works with butter to create the thickening roux for your cheese sauce
- Whole milk: Provides creaminess with balanced fat content. Avoid low fat versions for proper sauce texture
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps prevent sauce separation during baking
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor that stands up to pickle tanginess. Buy blocks and grate yourself for best melting
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy cheese pulls and mellows the sharpness of cheddar
- Garlic powder: Provides subtle savory notes without overwhelming the dish
- Onion powder: Adds depth without chunks of onion that might compete with pickle texture
- Dill pickles: Choose crisp, quality pickles with good flavor. Avoid sweet pickles unless you want a sweeter result
- Pickle brine: The secret ingredient that distributes tangy flavor throughout the sauce
- Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese style breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier topping than traditional breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth to the topping with its nutty flavor
- Fresh dill: Optional but recommended to enhance the pickle flavor profile with fresh herbal notes
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Gather all ingredients and measuring tools before starting to ensure smooth preparation.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Cook the macaroni for 1-2 minutes less than package directions indicate. The pasta should have a definite bite as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse.
- Create The Roux:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter completely. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for a full minute. This cooking step removes the raw flour taste while creating the base that will thicken your sauce.
- Develop The Cheese Sauce:
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring frequently until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat to prevent scorching.
- Add The Cheese:
- Add the shredded cheeses to the hot sauce and stir until completely melted and smooth. The residual heat should melt the cheese perfectly without making it stringy. Add your seasonings now, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Combine Components:
- In a large mixing bowl or your pasta pot, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, chopped pickles, and pickle brine. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every pasta piece is coated with sauce.
- Prepare For Baking:
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. The consistency should be slightly loose as it will thicken during baking.
- Create The Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan, and fresh dill if using. This combination ensures a golden, crispy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the sauce set slightly, making it easier to portion and enhancing the flavors.
Pin The first time I served this at a neighborhood potluck, people were skeptical about the pickle addition. By the end of the night, three different neighbors had requested the recipe. The key is using good quality pickles with a flavor you already enjoy. My personal favorite are garlic dill pickles from our local farmers market that add an extra dimension of flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare it entirely the day before. Simply assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. The breadcrumb topping stays crispier if you add it just before baking rather than during advance preparation.
Customization Options
The basic recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. For a spicier version, add a quarter cup of pickled jalapeños along with the dill pickles. Bacon lovers can stir in half a cup of crispy bacon bits before baking. For a more gourmet version, replace half the cheddar with smoked gouda or fontina cheese. Those watching carbs can use cauliflower florets for half the pasta. Gluten free pasta works well too, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to prevent mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
While this casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish with a simple green salad, it also makes an outstanding side. Serve alongside grilled chicken, smoked brisket, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun presentation at parties, portion into individual ramekins before baking for personalized servings. A sprinkle of extra fresh dill and a few pickle slices on top make for an appealing garnish that hints at the flavors inside.
The Science Behind The Creaminess
The secret to this mac and cheese staying creamy rather than grainy lies in the careful preparation of the cheese sauce. Starting with a proper roux creates stability, while adding the cheese off heat prevents the proteins from seizing up and creating a grainy texture. The addition of pickle brine actually helps maintain smoothness too, as its acidity interacts with the milk proteins in a beneficial way. The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella provides both flavor and the stretchy quality we love in mac and cheese.
Pin Enjoy this unique and comforting macaroni and cheese casserole. The dill pickles add a delightful tang and crunch that elevates this classic dish to new heights.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pickles work best?
Dill pickles are ideal for their tang, crunch, and classic flavor that balances the richness of cheese.
- → Can I substitute cheeses in this dish?
Yes, Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be used for different tastes, but sharp cheddar provides the most depth.
- → How can I make the topping crispier?
Mix melted butter thoroughly into panko and bake until golden. Broil briefly if extra crunch is desired.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat. Ensure cheese is suitable for vegetarians if necessary by checking labels.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and taste.