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30-minute Greek Mac And Cheese

This is a super easy Greek style baked mac and cheese with a simple 'sauce' made of evaporated milk and eggs - not flour. Packed with spinach and feta cheese and topped with crispy panko crumbs, it tastes a bit like a Greek spinach and cheese pie! The best part? It's on the table in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 (as a side, or 4 as a main)
Calories: 466 kcal
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 9 ounces macaroni
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or a mixture of cheeses e.g. gruyère, Swiss cheese, provolone...)
  • 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • 14 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 10 ounces spinach
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (optional but recommended!)
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 220C/430F.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, then drain and empty back into the pan. Stir through a drizzle of oil and put a lid on the pan to stop it sticking and drying out.
  3. Meanwhile, pulse the cheeses, milk, eggs and nutmeg (if using) in a food processor until combined (about 10 seconds). Set aside.
  4. Wilt the spinach in a roughly 10 inch/26 cm cast iron skillet/frying pan (if you have one - see notes) for a few minutes, then empty into the pan with the pasta.
  5. Add the cheese, milk, egg and evaporated milk ‘sauce’ and combine well, then pour into the cast iron pan. Smooth down, then sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumbs and parmesan.
  6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until nicely golden and bubbling. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe was inspired by Nigella Lawson’s basic macaroni cheese recipe.
  • I use a roughly 10 inch / 26 cm cast iron frying pan/skillet to make this Greek baked mac and cheese. You should be fine, however, with a pan that's slightly smaller or bigger than this. Just remember to wrap a tea towel around the handle when it's out of the oven. It's so easy to forget it's hot and burn yourself!
  • If you don't have a cast iron pan, it isn't the end of the world. Simply use a medium baking dish.
  • You might have to wilt the spinach in 2 batches. Or simply wilt it in a large saucepan. Either way, it will only take you a few minutes. 
  • Other than making sure to include at least half a cup to a cup of crumbled feta (because Greek!), there are no rules! Use your favourite cheeses, or whatever you have. The parmesan for the topping is definitely optional. No need to buy it just for this recipe... unless you want to!
  • You want roughly 2 cups of grated/crumbled cheese, or 250 grams.
  • Try adding some shredded rotisserie chicken / cooked chicken, some cherry halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spring onions / salad onions, or jarred artichokes.
  • Or just serve with some simple roasted chicken on the side. Delicious!
  • This mac and cheese recipe doesn't lend itself very well to being frozen and/or reheated. As the sauce is so simple, it dries out quite easily. 
  • I do however sometimes reheat the leftovers all the same, and I do enjoy eating them. Just be aware that the mac and cheese will be a lot drier when reheated. Adding a drizzle of milk before reheating can offset this a little! 
  • Alternatively... why not make some 'macaroni cheese waffles' (got a waffle maker? Just press your leftovers into it and cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Don't worry, it doesn't make a big mess!)

Nutrition Information

Calories 466kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 44g (15%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 124mg (41%) Sodium 622mg (26%) Potassium 627mg (18%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 5025IU (101%) Vitamin C 15mg (17%) Calcium 558mg (56%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6(as a side, or 4 as a main)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 466

% Daily Value*

Calories 466kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 44g 15%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 124mg 41%
Sodium 622mg 26%
Potassium 627mg 13%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 5025IU 101%
Vitamin C 15mg 17%
Calcium 558mg 56%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.