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Two Kooks In The Kitchen

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Home » ALL RECIPES » Main Course » Spinach Mac and Cheese

March 18, 2016

Spinach Mac and Cheese

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Spinach Mac and Cheese with baked beans on plate
Spinach Mac and Cheese in casserole dish with piece missing p
Spinach Mac and Cheese casserole baked p3
Spinach Mac and Cheese on plate p1
scoop of Spinach Mac and Cheese in casserole

I know, I know.  A mac and cheese casserole is old fashion and not too original, but who doesn’t crave it once in awhile? Give in. This Spinach Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy delicious comfort food.

mac and cheese with baked beans on plate with casserole and oven mitts in background 1

In the old days, I used to make mac and cheese with Kraft cheese slices (pretty good) and now I’ve graduated to real cheese.  I also add cooked spinach which doesn’t really change the taste much ( helpful with kids?), but adds good nutritional value.

There are tons of Mac and Cheese recipes out there. This is s a good one and fairly simple. There are so many variations on this recipe. I’ve listed a bunch below. Unfortunately, my husband is a purist, so the only one I get away with is adding some sauteed onions.

I serve spinach mac and cheese with baked beans, a gift to my husband who thinks this is the only way to eat a mac and cheese casserole. If you have an instant pot, these baked beans are amazing. Another side that works well is a marinated tomato salad.

Tailor To Your Taste

  • Change the cheeses for a different taste e.g. monterey, blue cheese
  • Use any other short pasta such as fusilli or rigatoni
  • Add 2 tablespoons of pesto
  • Saute a cup of finely chopped onion in butter for a few minutes before adding the flour. (I use this one all the time).
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes or 1 cup chopped cooked ham
  • Substitute broccoli florets for the spinach
  • Lighten up the dish with 2% milk and low-fat cheese

Jazz it Up

  • Mix a 1/4 cup panko or bread crumbs with a tablespoon of butter and 2 chopped green onions.  sprinkle over the top before baking.

Shortcuts

I save several steps and time by:

  • adding the spinach to the noodles while boiling (instead of cooking separately),
  • using pre-shredded cheese and
  • lining the pan with parchment paper (zero clean up! another gift to my husband).

Make Ahead Spinach Mac and Cheese

  • The entire casserole can be completed up until the point of baking. Cover it and keep in the fridge for up to two days.  Bake it uncovered when needed at 375F for 25 minutes.
cooked macaroni and spinach draining in colander
add spinach in last 3 minutes of boiling macaroni
cheese sauce for mac and cheese
make cheese sauce

macaroni spinach and cheese sauce combined in pot
combine sauce, macaroni, spinach
Spinach Mac and Cheese in casserole lined with parchment
scoop into casserole lined with parchment for easy cleanup

Spinach Mac and Cheese topped with extra cheese in casserole lined with parchment
sprinkle with additional cheese
baked Spinach Mac and Cheese casserole
bake mac and cheese casserole

spoon in mac and cheese casserole with some taken out

mac and cheese with baked beans on plate with casserole and oven mitts in background

spoon in mac and cheese casserole with some taken out
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4.5 from 2 votes

Spinach Mac and Cheese

I know, I know.  A mac and cheese casserole is old fashion and not too original, but who doesn't crave it once in awhile? Give in. This Spinach Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy delicious comfort food.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 people
Author: Cheryl

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups I use 1/4-1/2 cup less to make the mac and cheese more saucy)
  • 2 cups frozen chopped spinach (or 4-5 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% if preferred) (use 2% if preferred or any combination of milk - any type - and cream)
  • 1/2 tsp salt or more, to taste (depends on saltiness of cheese)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) prepared mustard is ok too
  • 3 cups shredded cheese. I use half American cheese (or gruyere) and half sharp cheddar cheese (I/2 cup will be used for topping)

Instructions

  • HEAT OVEN TO 400F. Line 2 quart casserole with parchment paper (for easy cleanup) or spray casserole dish with oil.
  • BOIL MACARONI AND SPINACH: Bring salted water to a boil in a large saucepan and add macaroni. Cook as per package directions. 3 minutes before macaroni is cooked, add frozen or fresh chopped spinach. This will slow the boil, so increase heat to medium high to finish cooking pasta to al dente which is what you want. Drain in colander and set aside.
  • MAKE CHEESE SAUCE: Heat the butter in the saucepan on medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to blend. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the milk. Whisk to blend, Add the salt and mustard (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until thickened. Turn off the heat. Mix in 2 1/2 cups cheese, reserving remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar for topping.
  • COMBINE SAUCE AND MACARONI: Add cooked macaroni and spinach to cheese sauce. Mix to combine well. Transfer to 2 quart casserole. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese casserole. Note 1 for make ahead.
  • BAKE AND SERVE: Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden brown on top. Serve with slaw (or our fave), baked beans.

Notes

  1. Make Ahead: Before baking, you can cover the casserole and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Then bake when needed at 375F for 25 minutes.
Tried this recipe?We'd love you to rate it above under 'rate this recipe' or in the comment section below. Thanks!

Here’s two twists on a mac and cheese casserole you might like:

Quinoa Mac and Cheese
Veggie Quinoa Mac and Cheese on plate
Looking for a healthier but equally delicious version of Mac and Cheese? Then Quinoa Mac and Cheese loaded with veggies is it! A perfect vegetarian weeknight meal.
Get the recipe
Asian-Inspired Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe
Asian Inspired Mac 'N' Cheese
I love the fusion of cultures in Toronto that spills onto the plate. Our Asian-Inspired Mac 'N' Cheese is a twist on the tried-and-true favorite, adding Udon noodles, edamame and seaweed garnish for a delicious Asian flare.
Get the recipe

 

Filed Under: ALL RECIPES, Main Course, Make Ahead Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Recipes Tagged With: easy casseroles, mac and cheese casserole

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fran says

    October 10, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    Very yummy!!! Added a few slices of crumbled bacon…. Thanks again for another great recipe!

    Reply
    • Cheryl says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      Oooh. Bacon. Very decadent!

      Reply

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Two Kooks, Cheryl and Jenna

Cheryl and Jenna

Two Kooks, Cheryl and Jenna

We're Two Kooks (mom and daughter) sharing recipes and tips for the busy home cook that are researched and tested, adaptable to your taste, easy to follow and delish. Check us out! Read More…

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