Greek Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Makaronia Pastitsio)
Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Greek cuisine with this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Makaronia Pastitsio. This dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, made with fresh grated romano or kefalotiri cheese. Enhanced with a hint of oregano and garlic, it’s further elevated by a touch of cinnamon, creating a warm and inviting aroma that promises satisfaction. Ideal for serving hot as a main dish or chilled on crisp lettuce leaves, it makes a delightful appetizer or side. Garnish each portion with a sprinkle of paprika, thin slices of fresh lemon, and plump green olives for a beautiful and flavorful presentation that captures the essence of Greek hospitality.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 1/2 quarts (for boiling)
sea salt
1 tablespoon (for boiling water)
elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
oregano
1/8 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
eggs
3 (beaten)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
milk
2 1/2 cups (warmed)
romano cheese or kefalotiri cheese
2 cups (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 quarts of water along with 1 tablespoon of sea salt to a rapid boil.
3
Once boiling, add 1 lb of elbow macaroni and stir occasionally with a fork. Cook the macaroni until al dente, following the package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes).
4
After cooking, drain the macaroni well and return it to the pot to keep warm.
5
In a separate bowl, combine 1/8 teaspoon of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of flour into the melted 1/2 cup of butter. Mix well until a smooth paste forms.
6
Gently fold the butter mixture into the warm macaroni until evenly coated. Cover the pot to keep the pasta warm while you prepare the egg mixture.
7
In a mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs until frothy. Add 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 1/2 cups of warm milk, beating until well combined.
8
Spray a 9x12-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread half of the macaroni mixture evenly across the bottom.
9
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated cheese (either romano or kefalotiri) over the first layer of macaroni.
10
Add the remaining macaroni on top of the cheese layer.
11
Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the entire dish, ensuring all the macaroni is well covered.
12
Finish by adding a generous topping of cheese to cover the entire surface.
13
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Makaronia Pastitsio?
Makaronia Pastitsio is a traditional Greek Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese dish featuring pasta in a velvety cheese sauce.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What are the recommended cheeses for this dish?
The recipe recommends using freshly grated romano or kefalotiri cheese.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should the macaroni be boiled?
Boil the macaroni until it is al dente, which typically takes between 7 to 9 minutes.
What spices are used to flavor the macaroni?
The macaroni is flavored with oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of ground cinnamon.
How much milk is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of warmed milk.
How many eggs are needed for the egg mixture?
You will need 3 eggs, which should be beaten until frothy.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x12-inch baking pan is recommended for this dish.
How do I prepare the butter mixture?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter and mix in 1/8 teaspoon of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of flour until a smooth paste forms.
Is the milk added cold?
No, the recipe specifies that the milk should be warmed before being added to the egg mixture.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Can this recipe be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served hot as a main dish or chilled on crisp lettuce leaves as an appetizer or side dish.
How should I garnish the Makaronia Pastitsio?
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, thin slices of fresh lemon, and plump green olives.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian.
How do I layer the macaroni in the pan?
Spread half of the macaroni mixture on the bottom, sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese, and then add the remaining macaroni on top.
What is the role of cinnamon in this dish?
Cinnamon is used to provide a warm and inviting aroma and a hint of sweetness that elevates the flavor profile.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
You need 2 1/2 quarts of water to boil the elbow macaroni.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, spray the 9x12-inch baking pan with cooking spray before adding the macaroni.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
The dish is done when the top surface becomes bubbly and takes on a golden brown color.
What type of salt should be used for the pasta water?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sea salt in the boiling water.
How do I prepare the cheese?
The cheese should be freshly grated before being used in the layers and on the top of the dish.
What should the consistency of the butter and flour mixture be?
It should be mixed well until it forms a smooth paste.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While romano and kefalotiri are recommended for authenticity, any similar hard, salty cheese could work in a pinch.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How should the eggs be beaten?
The eggs should be beaten in a mixing bowl until they are frothy.
Do I cover the pot after mixing the butter into the macaroni?
Yes, cover the pot to keep the pasta warm while you prepare the egg and milk mixture.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe uses ground garlic powder.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much cheese is used as a topping?
The recipe suggests adding a generous topping of cheese to cover the entire surface before baking.