Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese combines the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese with the nutritious addition of spinach, making it a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This delicious recipe brings together tender elbow macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and savory spinach, all baked to golden perfection. The dish is made by preparing a cheese sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of cheeses, then mixing in cooked macaroni and spinach. The mac and cheese is transferred to a baking dish, optionally topped with panko breadcrumbs, and baked until bubbly and golden. Serve hot for the best experience.
Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese combines the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese with the nutritious addition of spinach, making it a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This delicious recipe brings together tender elbow macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and savory spinach, all baked to golden perfection.
INGREDIENTS
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound. Provides the base for the dish, absorbing the creamy cheese sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons. Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the onions and garlic.
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped. Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons. Creates a roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Whole Milk: 2 cups. Forms the creamy base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Adds extra richness and creaminess.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a warm, subtle spice to the sauce.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Enhances the overall flavor.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: 1 (10-ounce) package, thawed and drained. Adds a nutritious element to the dish.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups. Provides a bold, cheesy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup. Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Mustard Powder (Optional): 1 teaspoon. Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional): 1/2 cup. Adds a crunchy topping.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the mac and cheese won’t stick to the dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook Macaroni: 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. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the cheese sauce.
- Step 3:
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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. This step builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Step 4:
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. This step creates a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
- Step 5:
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. This step ensures the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Step 6:
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with ground nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. This step enhances the flavor of the cheese sauce.
- Step 7:
- Add Spinach and Cheese: 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 an extra kick of flavor. This step incorporates the spinach and cheeses into the sauce.
- Step 8:
- Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. This step ensures the pasta is fully covered in the rich cheese sauce.
- Step 9:
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This step prepares the dish for baking.
- Step 10:
- Add Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for added crunch. This step adds a crispy topping to the dish.
- Step 11:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. This step ensures the mac and cheese is heated through and the top is nicely browned.
- Step 12:
- Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and delicious Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese! This step allows the dish to set slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy the best creamy texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- If the mac and cheese seems a bit dry when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.
Helpful Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or fontina, for a unique flavor twist.
- You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted before adding to the cheese sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a slight kick of heat.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten suggests grating your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises using a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor impact.