Best 4 Greek Cheese And Macaroni Recipes

**Discover the Delightful Symphony of Greek Cheese and Macaroni: A Culinary Journey Through Flavor and Tradition**

Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure as we explore the harmonious union of Greek cheese and macaroni. This delectable dish, steeped in the rich traditions of Greek cuisine, promises an explosion of flavors that will captivate your senses. From the velvety texture of the pasta to the savory tang of the cheese, each bite is a testament to the culinary artistry of Greece.

This article presents a curated collection of Greek cheese and macaroni recipes, each offering a unique interpretation of this classic dish. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a traditional pastitsio or the indulgent richness of a baked mac and cheese, you'll find a recipe here that suits your palate.

Indulge in the simplicity of the classic Greek pastitsio, where layers of macaroni, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that is both hearty and comforting.

Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Athens with the authentic pastitsio recipe, a beloved dish that showcases the essence of Greek home cooking.

For those with a penchant for bold flavors, the baked mac and cheese with feta and kefalotyri is a true revelation. The salty tang of feta and the nutty complexity of kefalotyri elevate this classic dish to new heights, resulting in a dish that is both decadent and irresistible.

Vegetarians will delight in the creamy spinach and feta pastitsio, a delightful vegetarian take on the classic pastitsio. Fresh spinach, creamy feta, and a velvety béchamel sauce combine to create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, the one-pot Greek cheese and macaroni is your answer. This simple yet flavorful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Explore the versatility of Greek cheese and macaroni with these diverse recipes, each offering a unique perspective on this beloved dish.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

GREEK MACARONI AND CHEESE

Greek Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Greek Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories Cheese

Time 1h45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 lb macaroni
1/2 lb spinach, washed and stemmed
1 1/2 lbs crumbled feta cheese (about 6 cups)
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped (optional)
1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mixed chopped fresh herb (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°; bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil; add in macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and place in a large bowl.
To blanch the spinach: bring 4 quarts salted water to a simmer over med-high heat; have ready a large bowl of ice water and a slotted spoon; add spinach to simmering water (in three or 4 batches) and submerge it.
Let cook about 15 seconds, remove with the slotted spoon, and plunge into the ice water; let spinach cool completely, drain it, and squeeze out the excess water; if the leaves are large, chop them into bite-sized pieces; set aside.
In a blender or food processor, puree the feta cheese with the milk, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper (blend in two batches, if needed); this will not be completely smooth; there will be very small chunks of cheese remaining.
Stir the cheese mixture into the cooked macaroni; then add the minced rosemary and thyme, garlic, red pepper flakes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and blanched spinach.
Transfer mixture to a 13x9 inch baking dish; sprinkle with parmesan cheese and the mixed herbs.
Bake on the middle shelf 25-30 minutes until the pasta is heated through and the top is slightly browned.

MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH GREEK YOGURT AND SPINACH

Macaroni and Cheese with Greek Yogurt and Spinach image

An awesome take on macaroni and cheese! Fat-free Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese gives the sauce a very creamy and flavorful base--without all the fat found in heavy cream--and shredded cheeses add lots of intense flavor. Fresh spinach and salty prosciutto perfectly complement the dish!

Provided by Katie Mancuso

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

cooking spray
1 (16 ounce) package dried elbow macaroni
4 thin slices prosciutto, or more to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free plain Greek yogurt
½ (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
1 ½ cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach

Steps:

Set an oven rack to the top position and preheat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain macaroni, reserving 2 1/2 cups pasta water. Pour macaroni back into the pot.
While the macaroni is cooking, place prosciutto on the prepared baking pan.
Cook prosciutto on the top rack of the preheated oven until dry and crispy, but not burnt, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and chop roughly. Lower the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lower the rack to the middle position.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Add garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and pepper; cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in Greek yogurt and cook until heated through and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the reserved pasta water; cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add a generous 1/4 cup each of Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses, stirring until thoroughly melted; repeat until all cheese had been added and sauce is thick. Stir in as much of the remaining pasta water as necessary to reach desired consistency.
Stir spinach into the cooked macaroni. Add cheese sauce; stir until combined and macaroni is coated. Pour into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle prosciutto over top.
Bake in the preheated oven until edges are bubbling slightly, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.3 calories, Carbohydrate 32.2 g, Cholesterol 49.6 mg, Fat 17.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 241.4 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

MAKARONIA PASTITSIO (GREEK CREAMED MACARONI AND CHEESE)

Makaronia Pastitsio (Greek Creamed Macaroni and Cheese) image

Serve hot or serve cold on lettuce leaves. Garnish with paprika, thin slices of lemon and green olives.

Provided by littleturtle

Categories Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 1/2 quarts water
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/8 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups warm milk
2 cups grated romano cheese (fresh grated) or 2 cups grated kefalotiri (fresh grated)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large pot, bring water and salt to a rapid boil; add macaroni.
Stir a few times with a fork; boil macaroni until al dente according to package directions (7-9 minutes).
Drain macaroni well and return to pot.
Mix oregano, garlic powder and flour into melted butter.
Stir butter into pasta, cover, and keep warm.
Beat eggs until frothy.
Add pepper, cinnamon, and milk, and beat until well mixed.
Place half of the macaroni in a 9x12-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Cover macaroni with 1/2 cup of cheese.
Add another layer of macaroni.
Gently pour egg/milk mixture over macaroni, making sure macaroni is well covered.
On top of this add a thick layer of cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until top is bubbly and light brown.

GREEK CHEESE AND MACARONI

Greek Cheese and Macaroni image

My sister's Greek friend baked this casserole for the family when our Mother passed away. I have shared this recipe with friends and have prepared it at church for many bereavement luncheons.

Provided by jrbennett

Categories Cheese

Time 1h30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 lb rigatoni pasta
4 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup butter
1 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

Boil rigatoni 10 minutes.
Drain.
Mix milk and whip cream together.
Set aside 1 cup.
In the same pan that you cooked the rigatoni pour in milk and whip cram mixture. Add salt and butter. Cook until the butter melts.
Add rigatoni and cook slowly until the mixture gets thick.
Spread half of mixture in greased 9 x 13 pan.
Sprinkle with ½ cup parmesan.
Add remaining rigatoni.
Add remaining parmesan.
Pour the one cup of milk and whip cream on top.
DO NOT STIR.
Bake 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
I like to bake until top gets a little brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 656.9, Fat 44.6, SaturatedFat 27, Cholesterol 177.7, Sodium 1309.7, Carbohydrate 47.6, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.2, Protein 17.7

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the pastitsio will be. Look for fresh macaroni, flavorful cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will make the pastitsio mushy.
Make sure the béchamel sauce is thick and creamy. A thin béchamel sauce will make the pastitsio watery.
Layer the pastitsio carefully. The layers should be even and compact. This will help the pastitsio cook evenly.
Bake the pastitsio until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the pastitsio is cooked through.
Let the pastitsio cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

Conclusion:

Pastitsio is a delicious and hearty Greek dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like your pastitsio cheesy, meaty, or saucy, there is a recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a new dish to try, give pastitsio a try. You won't be disappointed.