“Impossible” Pie of macaroni and cheese that makes its own crust while it bakes.
What Are Impossible Pies?
Impossible Pies were a thing in the 1970's, thanks to the folks at Bisquick printing a recipe for one on its boxes. Essentially, you mix up a bunch of ingredients including Bisquick, pour it into a baking dish, and it (impossibly) forms its own crust as it bakes, and two delicious layers of pie. This is obvious in the above picture of this Mac ‘n Cheese Impossible Pie.
But first a quick story on how I found this recipe.
The Secret Recipe Club
This recipe was part of The Secret Recipe Club group I used to be part of. It's since disbanded, but it was a fun group to be part of. Each month, we were secretly assigned another blog in our group. All through the month, we visited our assigned blog searching for kitchen inspiration. We'd make at least one dish, often more than one, and identify other recipes we wanted to try later.
At the end of the month, we celebrated ‘Reveal Day' when we all revealed who had who's blog. It was fun to get to know other bloggers through their food, and always interesting to see what recipes on our own blogs that drew people into the kitchen.
As a bonus, I tried recipes I might not have otherwise noticed in the blur of my day, which turned out to be regulars in my kitchen afterwards.
The month I found this delicious Mac ‘n Cheese Impossible Pie was the month I was assigned to the Shockingly Delicious blog. This is her original recipe!
This Impossible Pie couldn't be easier, and it's guaranteed kid-friendly. And it's the perfect dish for an easy school night dinner, since it takes only 15 minutes of prep on your part. Oh, and it's super flexible.
For example, I added shredded Idaho potatoes to this one, just because. But I made another version without the potatoes, and honestly we all loved both versions.
You'd think that it would bake up like a casserole, but this Impossible Pie bakes up with a creamy quiche-like top layer, with a totally Mac ‘n Cheese bottom layer. So the next time your family wants Mac ‘n Cheese, whip this up for them.
Ingredients for Mac ‘n Cheese Impossible Pie
Butter
Cheddar Cheese
Macaroni Noodles (uncooked)
Milk
Eggs
Bisquick
Spices
Potatoes (optional)
I don't know about you, but these are ingredients I always always always have on hand!
Mac 'n Cheese Impossible Pie
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup uncooked large elbow macaroni Dorothy used a Trottole shape
- 2-1/4 cups 2% milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup baking mix I used Bisquick
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Hungarian paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded russet potatoes 2 medium potatoes
- 1 Tbsp slivered basil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400˚F, and coat a 10-inch pie dish with butter. Place on a baking sheet.
- Mix together the cheese and macaroni in the pie dish. Thorough mix together the remaining ingredients EXCEPT THE BASIL in a 4-cup measuring cup, and pour over the macaroni and cheese. Push down any macaroni on the surface - it must all be covered with liquid.
- Bake for 40 - 50 minutes until the top is all puffy, and the macaroni are completely cooked. A knife inserted into the pie should come out clean. I tented foil over the pie after 20 minutes.
- Allow the pie to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Sprinkle a little slivered basil over the pie just before serving.
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Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines says
Happy Reveal Day and Happy Memorial Day~
I also remember the “impossible” pies from the 70’s made with Bisquick. my sister made them often, and I’ve made a few. This sounds absolutely delicious~ Have fun in Group A~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says
Oh man! We’ll miss you in group D! I’m glad we both stalked each other’s blogs before you had to switch =)
On another note, I’ve never heard of impossible pies, but now I’m definitely going to have to try one. Thanks for introducing them to me.. via Dorothy of course!
Norma Chang says
I too have never heard of impossible pies. How did it acquire the name?
SallyBR says
Oh, that make me sad…. you are leaving our group?????
really really sad to hear that.
but, it doesn’t matter because I will be following you no matter what. So there!
as to your choice for this month, WOW! I will take all the crust, yes, thank you….
Melissa says
I remember having pies made with bisquick growing up, but my parents just called them a quiche, so I’ve never heard the name “impossible” pie, but I like it. I especially love the mac and cheese part! Sad to hear you are leaving us, but enjoy your new group. I’ll definitely still be visiting! 🙂
Dorothy ShockinglyDelicious says
Susan….how fun that you had my blog this month! I do love a good impossible pie, and you picked one of my favorites. Yours looks absolutely delectable, and I like the added spud feature. Thanks for showcasing it so well.
Will miss you in Group D, but I always know where to find you. You can run, but you can’t hide. 🙂
Karen Burns-Booth says
I LOVE impossible pies, all of them , sweet and savoury! What a fab seasonal recipe for SRC too! Karen
Liz says
Thank you for this lovely and easy recipe.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
So in love with this impossible pie! Can never go wrong with mac and cheese, and now topped with potatoes!?
Sarah E says
*DROOL*
That pic by the recipe itself looks unbelievable!! The layers – SWOON!
Happy Reveal Day, Susan! 🙂
Laura Dembowski says
Potato is such an interesting addition to this dish. A cool way to make macaroni and cheese too.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
I have made Impossible pies….Chicken and Broccoli and Cheeseburger but never would I have thought to make a Mac and Cheese Impossible Pie…so glad you chose that recipe to share with us. See you next week I guess when you post for Group A. We will miss you here Susan.
kirstin says
Oh my goodness….this looks good, but I think my hubby would say no…lol
Couscous & Consciousness says
Oh yummo. I often make an Impossible Citrus Pie – in fact, it’s pretty much my go-to dessert when I’m having guests, since it’s always a guaranteed “no-fail” and everyone love it. I’ve never made a savoury impossible pie though, but now I can’t wait to try this. Love the sound of the Greek version too.
Sorry to hear that you are moving to another group, but I will still be sure to drop by for regular visits.
Emily @ Life on Food says
We will miss you!! Great last post with another delicious pick! You cannot go wrong with a good mac and cheese recipe!
Tara says
How interesting, I have never heard of impossible pie. looks delicious! We will miss you in group d!
Sue Lau says
Looks really good! Kind of makes me think of a cross between mac & cheese and quiche, two of my fav foods. Great choice for reveal day!
Rebekah @ Making Miracles says
I am so making this. My 20 month old is stuck on pasta and cheese right now, so I imagine even she would eat this fantastic dish!
Lynsey @ Lynsey Lou's says
So sad that you’re leaving. Good luck in group A!
This is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve heard of the impossible pie lately, I’m intrigued and I must try it for myself soon. I love this savory version with mac and cheese and I know it would be a hit with my macaroni obsessed little guy!
nicole @ i am a honey bee says
Oh my goodness.
This pie looks awesome. I want a big slice!
Great pick this month!
mjskitchen says
I missed the Impossible Pies in the 70s as well. But it certainly does sound like some of the methods being used back then. Sorry I missed these but so glad that you and your group are reintroducing them. This mac ‘n cheese pie looks incredible! Have got to try this one!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
I like the addition of potatoes!
I’ll be sorry to see you leave Group D but I’m glad I was assigned your blog before you’ve moved on to bigger and better Group A things. 😉