Pour canned sweetened condensed milk and these 2 ingredients over uncooked elbow macaroni in a dutch oven for a sweet comforting meal you will want repeatedly

This oven-baked 4-ingredient Amish-style sweet macaroni pudding is the kind of humble, comforting dish that shows up at church potlucks and family reunions across the Midwest. It’s a cousin to classic Amish baked custards and rice puddings, but here we lean on elbow macaroni and canned sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, almost caramelized sweetness. Everything comes together in one Dutch oven: you pour the condensed milk and two simple pantry ingredients over uncooked macaroni, slide it into the oven, and let the pasta slowly bake into a soft, custardy pudding. It’s practical, budget-friendly, and exactly the kind of nostalgic, cozy dessert (or sweet side dish) that people end up asking for again and again.

Serve this sweet macaroni pudding warm, scooped straight from the Dutch oven, with a little extra whole milk or cream splashed over the top if you like it looser and more custardy. It pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or black tea after a hearty, savory meal—think roast chicken, meatloaf, or a simple pot roast with vegetables. For a brunch spread, offer it alongside fresh fruit, sausage links, and scrambled eggs as the sweet element on the table. You can also chill leftovers and serve them cold, topped with a spoonful of jam or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an easy make-ahead dessert.

Servings: 6

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven so the Dutch oven will bake evenly.

Lightly butter or spray the inside of a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Pour the uncooked elbow macaroni into the bottom of the Dutch oven and spread it into an even layer.

In a large bowl or measuring pitcher, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended; this will be your sweet custard base.

Slowly pour the milk mixture over the uncooked elbow macaroni in the Dutch oven, making sure all of the pasta is submerged. Use a spoon to gently stir and level the macaroni so it’s evenly distributed in the liquid.

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid. Place it in the preheated oven and bake, covered, for 45 minutes. This covered time allows the macaroni to absorb the liquid and soften without drying out.

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and take off the lid. Stir the macaroni gently, scraping along the bottom and sides to keep anything from sticking, then smooth the top back out.

Return the Dutch oven to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring once more halfway through. The pudding is done when the macaroni is tender, the liquid has thickened into a loose custard, and the top looks lightly set with small bubbles around the edges.

If you prefer a slightly firmer, more caramelized top, let the pudding bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t scorch. The custard will continue to thicken as it cools.

Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the sweet macaroni pudding rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the custard set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm straight from the pot, with an extra splash of milk if you like a creamier texture.

For a richer custard, replace 1 cup of the whole milk with heavy cream or half-and-half; this will give the pudding a silkier, more dessert-like texture. If you enjoy warm spice notes often found in Amish and Mennonite baking, whisk 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the milk mixture before you pour it over the macaroni. To add texture, stir in 1/2 cup of raisins, chopped dried apples, or chopped dates when you first combine the pasta and custard base—the fruit will plump as it bakes. You can also fold in 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a chewier finish. For a slightly less sweet version, use 2 1/2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup unsweetened evaporated milk in place of 3 cups whole milk to balance the sweetness of the condensed milk. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, assemble the recipe in a 9x13-inch baking dish and cover tightly with foil for the first bake, then uncover to finish; just check a bit earlier, as shallower pans can cook faster. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently with an extra splash of milk to loosen the pudding.