Kamil Perry
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it's not always the healthiest option. One way to add some extra nutrition to this dish is to throw in some spinach. Whether you prefer frozen or fresh spinach, adding it to your mac and cheese is a great way to get some veggies into a classic family favourite. You can even blend the spinach into the cheese sauce to make the spinach flavour and texture blend in seamlessly. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding other vegetables, proteins, and spices to create a unique and delicious meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350 degrees F (175-204 degrees C) |
| Pasta | Elbow macaroni, shells, fusilli, penne, rigatoni, orecchiette |
| Spinach | Fresh or frozen |
| Spinach preparation | Cooked, pureed, added to sauce, or added while boiling |
| Sauce | White, bechamel, cheese, or creamy |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, nutmeg, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper |
| Cheese | Cheddar, parmesan, havarti, cream cheese |
| Additional vegetables | Broccoli, peas, green beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, kale |
| Additional protein | Chicken, ham, bacon, sausage, tuna, salmon |
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What You'll Learn
Using fresh or frozen spinach
Spinach mac and cheese is a great way to add some veggies to a classic family favourite. It can be made with either fresh or frozen spinach, and it's a good option if you're looking for something simple, delicious, and vegetarian. The spinach blends easily into the cheese sauce, so it's a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your meal without sacrificing taste.
Preparing the spinach
If you're using frozen spinach, make sure it's fully thawed before adding it to your mac and cheese. You can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Fresh spinach should be washed and dried before use. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces. You can also blend the spinach with milk to make a smooth and creamy sauce.
Cooking the spinach
There are a few different ways to cook the spinach for your mac and cheese. One option is to add the spinach to the pot of boiling water along with the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. This method is quick and easy, and it allows the spinach to cook down and blend into the pasta. Another option is to sauté the spinach in a pan with some butter or oil before adding it to the pasta. This method works well if you want to soften the spinach without cooking it completely.
Seasoning and flavouring
When using fresh or frozen spinach in your mac and cheese, it's important to season it properly to enhance the flavour. Don't skimp on the salt, as seasoning is crucial in this dish. You can also add other spices and herbs, such as nutmeg, red pepper flakes, or paprika, to give it a little extra kick. Additionally, you can include other vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or green beans, to boost the nutritional value even further.
Cheese selection
When it comes to cheese selection for your spinach mac and cheese, the options are endless. Sharp cheddar or mild cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use white cheddar, Parmesan, or spinach havarti for a fun twist. If you're looking for a super cheesy dish, feel free to toss in some extra grated cheddar or add breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top before baking.
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Preparing the cheese sauce
Now, gradually add milk to the pot while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. You can also add some spices at this stage, such as paprika, nutmeg, or red pepper flakes, for an extra kick of flavour. Keep cooking the mixture while whisking occasionally until it thickens and starts to simmer. This should take around 7 to 10 minutes.
For an extra creamy and smooth sauce, you can blend milk and spinach together until the spinach is pureed before adding it to the pot. Alternatively, you can simply add the spinach leaves directly to the sauce and let them cook until softened. If you're using frozen spinach, make sure to cook it until it softens and the sauce thickens.
Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in your desired amount of grated cheese. Cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of multiple cheeses work well. Continue whisking until the cheese has melted and you're left with a creamy, spinach-infused cheese sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Feel free to adjust the amount of spinach and cheese to your preference. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as evaporated milk, or add a dab of mustard for a unique flavour profile.
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Cooking the pasta
To cook the pasta for spinach mac and cheese, start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. You can use elbow macaroni, which is traditional, or any short pasta such as orecchiette, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. If you want to add spinach to the pasta while boiling, add it in during the last 3 minutes of boiling.
You can also cook the pasta ahead of time. To prevent it from sticking together, give it a quick spritz of olive oil.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. If you're making a white sauce, return the empty pasta pot to the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add butter to the pot and heat until just melted. Whisk flour into the butter and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Then, slowly stream milk into the pot, whisking constantly to break up any lumps of flour. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
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Combining the ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Next, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. You can cook the pasta in this pot. Use elbow macaroni or any short pasta such as orecchiette, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions have softened. Stir the flour into the butter and onions to create a roux. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it becomes golden in color and starts to smell nutty. You can also add some mustard to the sauce for a little kick.
Slowly stream in the milk while stirring constantly. You can use regular milk or evaporated milk. If you want a super cheesy mac and cheese, add more grated cheddar at this point. Toss in some extra veggies if you like, such as broccoli, peas, green beans, or corn. Frozen spinach can be added at this stage, and cooked until it softens. If using fresh spinach, add it later, after the sauce has thickened, as it will only need a short time to cook.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cheese. You can use cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of cheeses. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Drain the cooked pasta and spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix well. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top and bake until the cheese is melted and golden.
If you want to add some protein to your dish, try mixing in some chopped rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or crispy bacon. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy texture.
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Baking the mac and cheese
To bake the perfect mac and cheese, there are a few key steps to follow. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. The size of the dish will depend on the number of servings, but a 2-quart or 9x13-inch dish is a good starting point.
While the oven is preheating, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta shape. For baked mac and cheese, it's important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for a slightly firmer texture than you might usually prefer. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until fragrant and golden, creating a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, to form a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and perhaps a pinch of nutmeg. For an extra cheesy sauce, you can whisk in some shredded cheese until melted.
Now, it's time to combine the pasta and sauce. Spread the cooked pasta evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a crispy, cheesy crust. You can also add breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch.
Finally, bake your mac and cheese in the preheated oven. The baking time can vary depending on your preferences, but generally, it should take around 30 minutes for the cheese to melt and bubble. For an extra crispy top, finish it off under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use either fresh or frozen spinach.
Start with a small amount of spinach and work your way up to more if you feel that will be best for you and/or your family.
Melt butter, then add flour, milk, and cheese. Add a dab of mustard if you like. Mix in the cooked macaroni and spinach until well combined.
Elbow macaroni is traditional. However, you can use any short pasta, such as orecchiette, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
To amp up the health factor, reduce the cheese a bit and add more veggies.
