Description
This recipe elevates classic mac and cheese with a creamy, tangy sauce made with full-fat Greek yogurt, adding protein and flavor. It’s a comforting and surprisingly healthier weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
- 250g (9oz) Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape for creamy sauce.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: For a rich roux base.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the milk into a smooth sauce.
- 300ml (1 ¼ cup) Whole Milk: Creates a creamy texture.
- 150g (5oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Provides a bold, classic flavor.
- 100g (3½oz) Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Adds meltiness and stretch.
- 120g (½ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt, Full-Fat: Adds tang and protein.
- ½ tsp (½g) Dry Mustard Powder: Enhances cheesy flavor.
- ¼ tsp (½g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth.
- ½ tsp (2g) Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning.
- ¼ tsp (0.5g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Balances richness.
- 30g (¼ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy topping.
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil: Coats breadcrumbs for crisping.
- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley, Finely Chopped: For garnish.
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Make Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth.
- Incorporate Yogurt: Remove from heat, fold in yogurt, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Toss pasta with cheese sauce.
- Bake: Pour into a baking dish, top with oiled panko, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Rest: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs and ensure the baking dish isn’t covered. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and pasta shapes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg