Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender egg noodles with a rich sour cream sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals, this hearty dish is easy to prepare, versatile to customize, and delivers satisfying, cheesy goodness that warms the soul.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free noodles and flour alternatives)
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken or ham, diced
- Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Properly cooked noodles ensure the casserole has the ideal texture—soft but not mushy.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking it for about one minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Combine Milk and Sour Cream: Slowly whisk in milk, allowing the mixture to thicken into a smooth creamy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a tangy richness.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, creamy sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and optional cooked meat or vegetables if using. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Use fresh sour cream and cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Do not overcook noodles; slightly undercooked noodles hold up better during baking and prevent sogginess.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the creamy sauce.
- Reserve some cheese for the topping to achieve a golden crust.
- Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce set for cleaner serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Sour Cream Noodle Bake, creamy casserole, cheesy noodle bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy family meal