Baked Egg Noodles with Cheese

Baked Egg Noodles with Cheese. This Baked Egg Noodles with Cheese is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s cheesy, creamy, and easy to make—perfect for any meal!

Baked Egg Noodles with Cheese

Ingredients:

• 12 oz egg noodles (about 3/4 of a standard package)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Bleu Cheese or Gruyère for a more complex flavor)
• ½ cup cream cheese or sour cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
• Optional stir-ins: spinach/bacon
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) for topping
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Egg Noodles:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Once the butter is melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk (or half-and-half), making sure to break up any lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
   • Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of Bleu cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
   • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a little spice, add the paprika or cayenne pepper.
3. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked, drained egg noodles to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine, making sure all the noodles are coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Transfer the cheesy noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the noodles out evenly.
   • In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with a little melted butter (about 1 tablespoon). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the noodles. This will give a crispy, golden topping once baked.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
   • For an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the baked egg noodles from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips for Perfect Baked Egg Noodles with Cheese:

• Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled the day before, covered, and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to swap the cheese based on your preferences. Gruyère, fontina, or a bit of blue cheese can add a unique twist.
• Add-ins: To make it even more indulgent, you can mix in some cooked bacon, sauteed onions, or spinach.
• Creamier version: If you prefer a creamier, more indulgent texture, you can stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream along with the other cheeses.