My kids love all variations of Mac & Cheese and I have several recipes in my roster. It is really hard to avoid this dish when you’re raised in America – it's a classic! I make regular versions too, but today I’m sharing my Greek Style Mac & Cheese that’s made with only Greek cheeses. You can easily find these cheeses at gourmet shops and specialty stores and it’s worth hunting them down. You’ll love the flavor and texture of this casserole and it might prove more popular than the boxed kind!
We start making macaroni and cheese from scratch by preparing the pasta. While it boils until al dente, I prepare the cheese sauce. It really helps to have all the cheese shredded and ready before hand, this is the longest part of the recipe so do it when you’re not rushed.
After this it’s simply a matter of preparing the cheese sauce and folding everything together. I like to serve it alongside an easy protein like baked chicken, sliced steak, or fish. It really goes with everything and can even be eaten on its own. In the past I’ve tried stirring some vegetables into the pasta for extra protein but that was not well received – now I just keep a green salad or broccoli served on the side.
If you’re like me, you probably have a whole file of Mac & Cheese recipes that your family likes. This is a great one to add to it. Everyone will love the flavor from the light, tangy Greek cheeses. You can even serve it on a buffet at holidays for the children, and I guarantee the adults will help themselves, too.
Try this recipe and compare it to one of your family favorites and let us know what you think. And, if you have any questions or comments please let me know below! Enjoy!
Greek-style Macaroni & Cheese
I almost can’t believe I’ve gone this far without sharing a Mac & Cheese recipe. It’s a staple in our house, just like it is in households all over the world. Today I’m showing you a version I make with only Greek cheeses. I promise, it is incredibly delicious and worth making in lieu of your everyday version. Give it a shot and tell us what you think!
Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup grated Kefalograviera cheese
1 cup grated Kasseri cheese
1 tsp Salt
½ tsp white pepper
1 Cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the feta cheese, Kefalograviera cheese, and Kasseri cheese to the sauce and whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, top with panko bread crumbs and bake for 30 minutes, then turn on the broiler for about 3 minutes until the top is golden brown.
9. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.