Cheesy Green Macaroni and Cheese Bake

Name: Cheesy Green Macaroni and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 450g Elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp Unsalted butter; 1/4 cup All-purpose flour; 3 cups Whole milk, warmed; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/4 tsp Nutmeg; 3 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup Fresh spinach, packed; 1 cup Broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp Melted butter (for topping); Salt To taste; Black pepper To taste

(0 Ratings)

This Cheesy Green Macaroni and Cheese Bake takes a classic comfort food to the next level with a healthy and colorful twist. Fresh spinach and tender broccoli florets are blended into a rich, creamy cheese sauce, creating a beautiful green hue and boosting the nutritional value. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it's a hearty and delicious dish that's sure to be a family favorite, especially enjoyable during March celebrations.

speichern

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time40 min

Servings8 servings

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

Large saucepan or Dutch ovenBlender9x13 inch baking dish

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a blender, combine fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, and 1/2 cup of the warmed milk; blend until smooth. Set aside.
2
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 1/2 cups warmed milk until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4
Stir the blended green vegetable mixture into the cheese sauce until well combined and the sauce is a vibrant green. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
5
Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
6
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories520 kcal

Protein24g

Fat28g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, you can customize the cheese blend. Good options include Gruyere, Gouda, or even a little cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just ensure they melt well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the macaroni and cheese up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

How can I make this gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Ensure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

What others say

No ratings yet

Be the first to rate this recipe and share your feedback.

Rate Recipe!

RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.