Old-Fashioned Macaroni Pudding

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A vintage recipe that brings a taste of history to the table.
• Uses simple, budget-friendly pantry staples.
• Creamy, lightly sweet custard texture with a subtle bite from the pasta.
• Easy to prepare and bake in one dish.
• Perfect for dessert or even as a sweet breakfast option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Macaroni pasta
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg or cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
• Salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.
2. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until just tender. Drain well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
4. Stir in the cooked macaroni.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle lightly with nutmeg or cinnamon if desired.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is 15 minutes, with 45–55 minutes of baking, for a total of about 1 hour.

Variations

• Add raisins or sultanas for a traditional twist.
• Use sweetened condensed milk for a richer, creamier flavor.
• Sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking for a caramelized finish.
• Infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick or lemon peel for extra depth of flavor.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or fruit compote when serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. This dish is not suitable for freezing, as the custard may separate.

FAQs

Is macaroni pudding served hot or cold?

It can be enjoyed either way—warm from the oven or chilled for a firmer texture.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, but small pasta shapes like elbows or ditalini work best.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s mildly sweet, but you can adjust the sugar to your taste.

Can I make this with non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond or oat milk can be substituted, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

Do I have to add nutmeg or cinnamon?

No, but they enhance the flavor and add warmth to the dish.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, bake it a day ahead, refrigerate, and serve cold or reheat before serving.

Why does my pudding look watery?

It may be underbaked—make sure the custard is fully set before removing from the oven.

Can I use leftover cooked macaroni?

Yes, this is a great way to repurpose extra pasta.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The custard should be set but slightly wobbly in the center, and the top should be golden.

Can I freeze macaroni pudding?

It’s not recommended, as the custard can separate and change texture after thawing.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Macaroni Pudding is a simple, nostalgic dessert that blends creamy custard with tender pasta for a unique and comforting treat. With its golden top and subtly sweet flavor, it’s a dish that connects the present to the past, perfect for those who love vintage recipes. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this pudding is a sweet reminder of traditional home cooking.

Old-Fashioned Macaroni Pudding

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Old-Fashioned Macaroni Pudding is a vintage dessert made with tender macaroni baked in a sweet, custard-style mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar. It’s creamy, comforting, and lightly spiced with vanilla and nutmeg.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1 cup uncooked macaroni pasta
2. 2 cups whole milk
3. 3 large eggs
4. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
5. 2 tbsp unsalted butter
6. 1 tsp vanilla extract
7. 1/4 tsp salt
8. 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a medium baking dish with butter.
2. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Stir the cooked macaroni into the custard mixture.
5. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon, if using.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled.

Notes

1. Add raisins or sultanas for a traditional touch.
2. Substitute sweetened condensed milk for a richer flavor.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a caramelized finish.
4. Can be served as dessert or a sweet breakfast option.
5. Best enjoyed within a few days—does not freeze well.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 125mg