Greek yogurt mac and cheese is a healthy mac and cheese with a Greek yogurt cheese sauce. It is a quick and easy dish that you may serve for lunch or dinner.
It is a better version of the typical mac and cheese because of its healthy ingredients. Thus it lives up to its name— healthy Greek yogurt mac and cheese. However, it does not compromise the taste of the dish at all. In fact, this one is even tastier.
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This version of mac and cheese is the lighter equivalent of the said comfort food. However, the taste is even cheesier and creamier, with a rich and savory texture that melts in your mouth.
Healthy Greek yogurt mac and cheese is a good main course for dinner when the whole family gets home from school or work and is in dire need of their cheesy, comfort food. Although you may also serve this food at lunch. There is no particular schedule for anyone to serve this mac and cheese so long as you enjoy its delight.
This recipe highlights the mouthwatering flavor of cheddar cheese and the creamy texture of the greek yogurt. Thus, you should expect a bursting flavor and satisfying meal that will come out of this recipe. This is a must-try new recipe perfect for all ages.
Why Does This Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese Recipe Works?
Mac and cheese is a famous dish in American and some parts of European households so it isn't any more a surprise that there would be many recipes for it on the internet. Yet, what makes this particular recipe a must-try are the following reasons:
- It is a one-pot meal and is quick and easy to prepare!
- Ingredients are few, and they are not costly; a very budget-friendly meal.
- Children and adults will surely enjoy the meal.
- This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.
What's in This Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Dry Elbow Pasta. Tasters praised the texture of elbow pasta as comparable to other pasta types, saying that it was supple and had a terrific chew. I also noted that the elbow pasta seemed to hold the cheese sauce better than any of the other pasta.
Cheddar Cheese. Cheddar, which has a somewhat low melting point, can keep things from getting too dry. In addition, it possesses the same rich flavor we expect from macaroni and cheese. This type of cheese is preferable for the healthy Greek yogurt mac and cheese because it has the strongest flavor.
All purpose flour. In this mac and cheese recipe, flour is added to the milk mixture to thicken the final dish. We cannot expect a rich texture for the healthy Greek yogurt mac and cheese without the flour.
Butter. The addition of butter to the healthy Greek yogurt mac and cheese makes it creamier and thicker. It also enhances the flavor of the dish. Without the butter, your macaroni and cheese will become less thick, and less delectable.
Milk. Whole milk or skimmed, makes the pasta itself creamier and its texture thicker.
Plain Greek Yogurt. Strainers remove part of the water from this plain greek yogurt, which makes it thick and creamy. The velvet-textured, tart, versatile yogurt can be used for sweet and savory dishes like this healthy Greek yogurt mac and cheese.
Salt and Pepper. While salt helps add flavor to food, black pepper serves to alter the taste of food by adding spiciness and more depth. Salt and pepper will then play the important role of seasonings.
How to Make The Best Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese?
One: In a medium saucepan or pot, cook the dry pasta according to the package directions until al dente, drain well and set aside.
Two: In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds.
Three: Now, stir in the milk and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
Four: Add the greek yogurt, then add the cheese and stir until it melts (about 3 more minutes).
Five: Once the greek yogurt cheese sauce is thickened, stir in the cooked pasta and mix to combine.
Six: Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Success Tips
- You need to achieve the correct pasta texture, so don't overcook or undercook your pasta. Also, cook the pasta in salted boiling water.
- Smaller elbow macaroni varieties with lots of nooks and crannies to contain the cheese sauce. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
Recipe Variations
- If you wish to make gluten-free mac and cheese, use arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or all-purpose gluten-free flour. You also need to use gluten-free pasta.
- Garlic can be used in various savory dishes. As every Italian food lover knows, cheese and pasta go along beautifully. Garlic can be used in mac and cheese in dried garlic powder or crushed and finely diced fresh garlic cloves.
- You may replace cheddar cheese for mozzarella or parmesan cheese or use both of them. You may also use Monterrey jack cheese if you like.
- Replace greek yogurt with sour cream.
- Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter.
Serving Suggestions
If you're going to eat mac and cheese, you may as well enjoy a meal of sweet and sour salmon, steak with butter or baked chicken. You may also serve this mac and cheese with a green salad.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. When your mac and cheese is done cooking, let it cool completely before putting it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it. Healthy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese can be frozen for up to three months and then thawed right after.
More milk in your recipe, I believe, is an easy answer. Remove a tablespoon of flour as well, as it thickens the mixture to a glop-like consistency.
More Pasta Recipes
- Pesto Pasta - With Homemade Pesto Sauce
- Italian Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Pasta Al Forno (Italian Baked Pasta)
- Easy One-Pot Pasta With Veggies
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Recipe Card
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry elbow pasta
- 250 g cheddar cheese , freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ cups milk , whole or skimmed
- 1 cup full fat plain greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or pot, cook the dry pasta according to the package directions until al dente, drain well and set aside.3 cups dry elbow pasta
- In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds.2 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- Now, stir in the milk and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.1 ½ cups milk
- Add the greek yogurt, then add the cheese and stir until it melts (about 3 more minutes).1 cup full fat plain greek yogurt, 250 g cheddar cheese
- Once the greek yogurt cheese sauce is thickened, stir in the cooked pasta and mix to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Notes
- To make your mac and cheese better, you first need to achieve the correct pasta texture. Also, cook the pasta in salted boiling water.
- Smaller elbow pasta varieties with lots of nooks and crannies to contain the cheese sauce. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
- If you wish to make gluten-free mac and cheese, use arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or all-purpose gluten-free flour.
- Garlic can be used in various savory dishes. As every Italian food lover knows, cheese and pasta go along beautifully. Garlic can be used in mac and cheese in dried garlic powder or crushed and finely diced fresh garlic cloves.
- You may replace cheddar cheese for mozzarella or use both of them.
Mandella
This recipe is amazing, using Greek yogurt in making mac and cheese is fantastic idea. It gives the macaroni richness and lovely taste!