Creamy Noodle Casserole

Creamy Noodle Casserole Recipe with Cheddar and Dill

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creamy Noodle Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. This casserole is made with tender noodles, creamy sour cream, savory spices, and gooey cheddar cheese, creating a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Creamy Noodle Casserole has been a popular dish in American households for decades. It is a classic comfort food that is often passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the recipe. This casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes, making it a favorite among home cooks.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of dry noodles
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
1.5 cups of sour cream
0.33 cup of all-purpose flour
1.5 cups of cottage cheese
4 green onions, minced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped and sautéed in butter
0.5 tsp of caraway seeds
1 tsp of dill weed
0.25 tsp of thyme
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Cook the noodles in boiling water until they are just tender.
Drain the noodles and toss them with vegetable oil.
Sauté the celery.
In a large bowl, combine sour cream and flour, mixing well.
Stir in cottage cheese, celery, green onions, and spices of your choice.
Fold the noodles into the mixture until they are well combined.
Lightly spray the inside of a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour the noodle mixture into the casserole dish, then sprinkle the top with cheese.
Cook at 350°F (177°C) for 35 minutes.
Uncover and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit until the bubbling subsides.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, turkey, or ham for a protein boost.
Mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles until they are just tender, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Mixing the sour cream with flour helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.

- Adding spices like caraway seeds, dill weed, and thyme gives the casserole a flavorful boost.

- Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld together and makes for easier serving.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Noodle Casserole can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles until just tender to avoid overcooking.

- Mix the sour cream with flour to create a creamy sauce.

- Layer the casserole with cheese on top for a gooey and melty finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

- Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese for a different texture.

- Swap out cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Noodle Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamy Noodle Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Creamy Noodle Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Noodle Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Noodle Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Noodle Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Noodle Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Noodle Casserole is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese) and wheat (noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Creamy Noodle Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Creamy Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With tender noodles, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it for dinner or bring it to a potluck gathering for a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Creamy Noodle Casserole. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a faded handwritten note fell out onto the kitchen counter. It was a recipe for Creamy Noodle Casserole, written in elegant cursive script.

I had never heard of this dish before, but the ingredients listed sounded comforting and familiar: egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions on the note carefully. As the casserole baked in the oven, the aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly – a rich, savory scent that made my mouth water.

When the timer beeped, I pulled the casserole out of the oven and let it cool before taking my first bite. It was everything I had hoped for and more – creamy, cheesy, and oh so comforting. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Creamy Noodle Casserole countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. But the basic ingredients and method remain the same, a testament to the simple beauty of this dish.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite among all who have tried it. There is something about the creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole that brings people together, that warms the soul and comforts the spirit.

As I reflect on how I came to learn this recipe, I realize that it is not just about the ingredients and method. It is about the memories and stories that are woven into every bite, the connections and experiences that make this dish more than just a meal.

I remember the first time I made this casserole for my grandchildren, their eyes widening with delight as they took their first bite. I remember the laughter and chatter that filled the kitchen as we sat around the table, sharing stories and making new memories.

I remember the time my dear friend Martha shared her own version of the recipe with me, adding a dash of nutmeg and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance. I remember the warmth in her eyes as she told me about the first time she made this casserole for her husband, a simple gesture of love that spoke volumes.

I remember the summer afternoon when I made this casserole for a church potluck, the dish disappearing in minutes as people went back for seconds and thirds. I remember the smiles and compliments that came my way, the shared joy of good food and good company.

As I sit here now, penning down this story, I am filled with gratitude for all the moments and memories that have been made around this Creamy Noodle Casserole. It is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of love, connection, and tradition.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will come across this recipe in their own kitchen, just as I did all those years ago. I hope that they will take a chance, give it a try, and discover the magic that lies within this simple yet delicious dish.

And I hope that they will remember me, their grandmother, who loved to cook and share her recipes with those she held dear. For in every bite of this Creamy Noodle Casserole, there is a piece of my heart, a piece of my soul, a piece of who I am.

So here's to good food, good company, and good memories. Here's to the timeless beauty of a recipe that brings people together and warms the soul. Here's to the Creamy Noodle Casserole that will always hold a special place in my heart.