How long can I let an unbaked macaroni and cheese casserole be in refrigerator before baking?

Having relatives over for an early Thanksgiving SUNDAY evening. I am preparing everything ahead of time and refrigerating to just pop in the oven for dinner. I would like to be finished cooking everything SATURDAY night, but will the macaroni get too soft or absorb too much if I leave it 24 hrs, or do you think it will be significantly better if I just wait until the morning to pre-make it so it only sit 6-7 hrs before baking.

2011-11-18T12:55:56Z

The cheeses are all real and not processed, so I am not sure if you can freeze that or not? I read somewhere it could seperate badly if it was not the processed cheese sauce?

2011-11-18T13:54:44Z

Nana Lamb-- Macaroni nasty? Of coarse. That's what Thanksgiving meals are all about...and there are children, they are picky eaters. I can hardly serve 9 bowls of steamed veggies for the holidays. It's ok to splurge on occasion. We can all go back to eating baby field greens, tofu, and bean sprouts on Monday eh?
Anyway, not going to freeze it, because I've seen the freezer break down pasta, and I need it to cook in 30 minutes, don't want to guess at timing. So, no one really answered my question, but thanks anyway for your suggestions.

Alyssa Staheli Beal2011-11-18T12:53:28Z

Favorite Answer

I would keep it in the freezer. You can freeze just about anything for a really long time. That way you can make it tonight even! Just make sure you seal it tight to prevent freezer burn. I recommend several layers of plastic wrap. As far as baking it goes, I'd bake it the night before and reheat it in the oven right before you serve it so it tastes fresh. Good luck, and happy Thanksgiving!

Nana Lamb2011-11-18T12:55:59Z

Why bake mac n cheese in the first place? nasty stuff and very unhealthy if you are having 2 kinds of potatoes and dressing with the meal.

go ahead and stuff it in the fridge last thing Saturday evening so it only has to cook for the little while.

I make everything possible ahead of time so I can enjoy my guests and not be super worn out by the time dinner rolls around. People think I am one of the most relaxed hostesses on the planet because I take a nap before guests arrive instead of rushing around the kitchen cooking up a super storm.