Among the vast landscape of comfort food, macaroni and cheese stands as a quintessential American classic. With its creamy, gooey goodness and rich, blissful bites, it’s no wonder we’ve adopted this dish as a staple in our culinary repertoire. Evolving from its humble beginnings in Europe and making its way across the pond, mac and cheese has comfortably nestled into the American Midwest’s heart – and mine. Yet, as an advocate for both taste and nutrition, I’ve come to adore an iteration that brings a little green onto the plate: Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese. Combining the creamy decadence of the traditional mac with the savory goodness of spinach, a dish high in iron and vitamins, ensures that your indulgence comes hand-in-hand with a nutritional nod.
While this Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese is a hearty dish that can stand alone, it pairs beautifully with a crisp, fresh salad to lighten the meal. Go for a mixture of arugula and romaine with a light vinaigrette, or perhaps a tangy coleslaw to contrast the creaminess of the pasta. For a heartier companionship, a slice of garlic bread never goes amiss, soaking up every last bit of the luxurious cheese sauce.
Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– Salt, for pasta water
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions:
Please Head On keep on Reading (next)
