Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with our irresistible Power Packed Mac Cheese! This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it's a creamy, cheesy delight that packs a nutritional punch, thanks to the optional spinach. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be serving up a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this cheesy goodness and discover why it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of cooked spinach if you choose to include it.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and then add the macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the baking step.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to shake off any excess water.
- In the same pot, over medium heat, add the cooked macaroni back into the pot. Pour in the 1 cup of milk and stir gently.
- Add the 2 cups of shredded cheese to the macaroni and milk mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy. If you're using spinach, add it at this point and mix well.
- Season the mac and cheese with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve your Power Packed Mac Cheese warm, and enjoy this delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, cook your macaroni just until al dente. This ensures it holds up well when baked and doesn’t become mushy.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, and even a hint of blue cheese can create a deliciously unique mac and cheese.
- Creamier Consistency: For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture while it melts.
- Add Some Spice: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture before baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
- Crispy Topping: For an even crunchier topping, mix some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling it on top.
- Vegetable Boost: Don’t limit yourself to spinach! Try adding other vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.Enjoy cooking your Power Packed Mac Cheese and make it your own with these handy tips!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
