Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese is a comforting twist on the classic favorite, combining creamy cheese sauce with nutritious spinach for added flavor and color. This baked dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt, for pasta water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Step 6: Season the sauce with ground nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
7. Step 7: Stir in the thawed and drained chopped spinach, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If using, add the mustard powder for extra flavor.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
9. Step 9: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Step 10: If desired, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
11. Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and delicious creamed spinach mac & cheese!

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk and cream.
• Try adding cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor boost.
• Use fresh spinach if available, but be sure to wilt and drain it thoroughly before adding.
• Swap sharp cheddar with a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a richer taste.
• For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture and keep it in the baking dish covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Use about 8 ounces of fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan over medium heat, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the cheese sauce.

Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese is a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese, combining rich cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and nutritious spinach for a creamy, flavorful casserole baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt, for pasta water

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Topping (Optional)

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat And Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion And Garlic: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown and fragrant, which will help thicken the sauce.
5. Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Season Sauce: Add ground nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste.
7. Add Spinach And Cheese: Stir in thawed and drained chopped spinach, shredded sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and smooth. Add mustard powder if using, for extra flavor depth.
8. Combine With Macaroni: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until all pasta is well coated.
9. Transfer To Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
10. Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crunchy crust if desired.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
12. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful creamed spinach mac & cheese!

Notes

• Ensure spinach is fully thawed and well drained to prevent excess moisture from diluting the cheese sauce.
• Mustard powder is optional but enhances the cheese flavor and adds a subtle tanginess.
• Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a smoother texture.
• You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Keywords: creamed spinach mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, spinach casserole, cheesy pasta bake