Best 4 Greek Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Greek macaroni and cheese, a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and Mediterranean flair. This dish tantalizes the taste buds with a unique blend of creamy béchamel sauce, tender macaroni, and a symphony of aromatic spices. Discover the authentic recipe, along with variations featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a vegetarian option, all detailed within this comprehensive guide. Embark on a culinary journey that promises a satisfying and flavorful experience, sure to become a family favorite.

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

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

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

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

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 macaroni and cheese will be. Use a good quality pasta, a sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh milk.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and not hold its shape well in the macaroni and cheese.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It helps to create a smooth and creamy macaroni and cheese.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: In addition to cheddar cheese, you can also use other cheeses in your macaroni and cheese, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or mozzarella. This will add depth of flavor and richness.
  • Add some vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas can be added to the macaroni and cheese for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch to the macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Bake until golden brown: The macaroni and cheese should be baked until it is golden brown on top. This will help to create a crispy crust.

Conclusion:

Greek macaroni and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese, and it can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make the best Greek macaroni and cheese that will surely be a hit with your family and friends.

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