"THIS IS MY BEST ONE YET. I know I’ve been saying that every week, but I honestly mean it!
The combo of spinach, feta, and bechamel makes for a SUPER creamy, Moorish, and all-round hearty Mac n cheese. I genuinely had to stop myself from eating the whole thing!"
Spanakopita Mac and Cheese
5
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A Note from Feedfeed
This Spanakopita-inspired Mac 'n' Cheese is a delightful fusion of Greek and comfort food flavors. Creamy macaroni is infused with the savory goodness of leeks, spinach, and a hint of cinnamon, then crowned with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and crumbled feta cheese. It's a unique twist on the classic mac 'n' cheese, and you won't be able to resist its deliciousness.
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- Recipe Card
Prep time: 15mins
Cook time: 25mins
Serves or Makes: 4 servings
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups macaroni
- 3 cups water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 leek, finely chopped and washed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 bay leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups spinach
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
Method
Step 1
Begin by boiling the macaroni according to the packet instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Cook until the macaroni is al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. After about a minute, add the chopped leeks and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they soften. Stir in the cinnamon, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt, and then add the spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
Step 3
Transfer the cooked spinach and leeks to a bowl while removing the bay leaves. Drain as much excess liquid as possible from the spinach mixture.
Step 4
In the same pan (without the excess liquid), melt the butter. Once it begins to foam, stir in the flour and cook until it combines to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens, then add the grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully incorporated into the bechamel sauce
Step 5
Add the cooked macaroni and the spinach mixture to the bechamel sauce. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and crushed black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Top the mac 'n' cheese with crumbled feta cheese and serve hot.