Mediterranean Feta Mac and Cheese
Indulge in this Mediterranean Feta Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Infused with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs, tangy feta cheese, and nutritious spinach, this dish brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Perfect for gatherings, this crowd-pleasing recipe offers a creamy, cheesy experience while packing in the goodness of vegetables. Serve it warm, garnished with olives and cherry tomatoes for a beautiful presentation that will impress family and friends alike!
8
Servings
375
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni
1 lb (Dry, uncooked)
Spinach
1/2 lb (Washed and stemmed)
Feta Cheese
1 1/2 lbs (Crumbled (about 6 cups))
Whole Milk
2 1/2 cups (None)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Juiced from fresh lemons)
Olive Oil
2/3 cup (None)
Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
2 teaspoons (None)
Minced Fresh Rosemary
3/4 teaspoon (Minced)
Minced Fresh Thyme
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Pitted Black Olives
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped (optional))
Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 lb (Halved)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (None)
Mixed Fresh Herbs
1/4 cup (Chopped (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Drain and place the macaroni in a large mixing bowl.
2
To blanch the spinach, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water. Working in batches, add the spinach to the simmering water and submerge it for about 15 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the spinach to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the spinach and squeeze out any excess water. If the leaves are large, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, whole milk, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is creamy with small chunks of cheese remaining, adjusting to your desired consistency if needed.
4
In the bowl with the cooked macaroni, stir in the feta mixture, followed by the minced rosemary, thyme, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped olives (if using), halved cherry tomatoes, and blanched spinach. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
5
Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and mixed fresh herbs on top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven on the middle shelf for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the top is lightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Feta Mac and Cheese?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic comfort food, featuring feta cheese, spinach, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of crumbled feta cheese, which is roughly 6 cups.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry macaroni, but other short pasta shapes can also be used.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Boil the macaroni for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the spinach for this dish?
The spinach should be blanched in simmering water for 15 seconds, cooled in ice water, drained, and squeezed dry.
What goes into the feta sauce?
The sauce is a blend of crumbled feta, whole milk, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Are the olives mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of pitted black olives is optional.
What fresh herbs are included?
The recipe uses fresh rosemary, thyme, and a mix of herbs like parsley for the topping.
How long does the dish bake?
Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe specifies whole milk for creaminess, but other milk types may be substituted with slight changes in texture.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is approximately 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice provides a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Should the garlic be cooked before adding?
No, the garlic should be finely chopped and mixed directly into the pasta before baking.
Is there a spicy element to this dish?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is added for a subtle heat.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 22.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the best way to serve this?
Serve it warm, garnished with additional olives and cherry tomatoes for presentation.
Do I need to blend the feta cheese completely?
Blend it until creamy but allow for small chunks of cheese to remain for texture.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but ensure it is thawed and squeezed very dry to avoid a watery consistency.
What topping is used for the crust?
A mixture of grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs is sprinkled on top before baking.
How much olive oil is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of olive oil.
Is the salt amount adjustable?
Yes, though 1 teaspoon of kosher salt is recommended, you can adjust based on the saltiness of your feta.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can assemble the mixture in the dish, refrigerate, and bake it when ready, though you may need to increase bake time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Does this recipe include cherry tomatoes?
Yes, 1/2 lb of halved cherry tomatoes are mixed into the pasta.