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Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/creamed-spinach-mac-and-cheese-recipe/