Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese Bake
Indulge in this elevated twist on a classic comfort food: Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese Bake. This dish marries the smooth, cheesy richness of sharp white cheddar with the vibrant flavor of spinach, balanced by a hint of heat from horseradish and the tanginess of Dijon mustard. Perfectly baked for a golden, bubbling finish, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both family and guests alike—ideal for any occasion.
4
Servings
550
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni pasta
2 cups (cooked)
spinach
1 cup (chopped and cooked)
hot milk
2 cups (none)
flour
1/4 cup (none)
butter
1/4 cup (none)
horseradish
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
freshly grated nutmeg
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam.
4
Stir in the flour, cooking and stirring continuously for about 3 minutes, until a light golden roux forms.
5
Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6
Stir in the chopped cooked spinach, grated sharp white cheddar cheese, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and season with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg to taste.
7
Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
8
Remove the sauce from the heat and combine with the cooked macaroni, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
9
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
31.25g
Fat
47.5g
Carbs
21.25g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
6.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese Bake?
It is an elevated comfort food dish that combines macaroni with a rich sharp white cheddar sauce, spinach, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 550 calories per serving.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated sharp white cheddar cheese.
Is this mac and cheese recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 1 cup of spinach that has been chopped and cooked.
What gives this dish a hint of heat?
The addition of 2 tablespoons of horseradish provides a subtle heat.
How long does the dish need to bake?
It should bake for about 15 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 31.25g of fat.
How much protein is in this meal?
This recipe provides 21.25g of protein per serving.
What kind of mustard is used?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to add tanginess to the sauce.
Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?
Yes, the macaroni pasta should be cooked according to package instructions and drained before being mixed with the sauce.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of hot milk.
What seasonings are included in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter, then stir in 1/4 cup of flour for about 3 minutes until a light golden roux forms.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 47.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
There are 6.25g of sugar per serving.
Is there fiber in this spinach mac and cheese?
Yes, each serving contains 2.5g of fiber.
Should the casserole dish be prepared before baking?
Yes, you should transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Can I use cold milk for the sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for hot milk to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the roux.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, spinach, casserole, comfort food, and baked pasta.
When do I add the spinach and cheese?
Once the milk and roux mixture has thickened, stir in the spinach, cheese, and other flavorings.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter.
How long should I let the dish cool?
Let the bake cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
What amount of macaroni pasta is required?
You will need 2 cups of macaroni pasta.
Is the sodium content provided?
The sodium content is not specified in this particular recipe data.
Is the cholesterol content provided?
The cholesterol content is not specified in the provided data.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the hot milk constantly while pouring it into the roux to avoid lumps.