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.
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.
The Origin of Mac and Cheese
The origins of macaroni and cheese can be found in Italy. A recipe named de lasanis is included in the "Liber de Coquina," or "Book of Cooking," an Italian cookbook from the 13th century, which culinary historians think is the first macaroni and cheese recipe. The original macaroni and cheese recipe was created in the thirteenth century. Macaroni and cheese became a hit after the design and introduction of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner in 1937.
During the Great Depression, Kraft's mac and cheese were marketed as a cheap method to feed an entire family. Macaroni and cheese became a phenomenon with the design and introduction of the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner in 1937. During the Great Depression, Kraft's mac and cheese were marketed as an inexpensive way to feed an entire family.
Contrary to popular's belief, although Thomas Jefferson did not originate mac and cheese, he did contribute to the dish's popularity in the United States. When Jefferson tasted mac and cheese in Italy, he liked it so much that he had White House chefs duplicate it and serve it during his administration.
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.
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. Milk, whole 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?
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain well and set aside.
- In a pot, melt the butter over low heat, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds.
- Now, stir in the milk and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the greek yogurt, then add the cheese and stir until it melts (about 3 more minutes).
- 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.
Top Tips!
- 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.
Recipe Variations
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
If you're going to eat mac and cheese, you may as well enjoy a meal of tender BBQ ribs, 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 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
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry elbow pasta
- 250 g cheddar cheese , freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon plain 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
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain well and set aside.
- In a pot, melt the butter over low heat, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds.
- Now, stir in the milk and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the greek yogurt, then add the cheese and stir until it melts (about 3 more minutes).
- 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.
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.
Nutrition
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This recipe is amazing, using Greek yogurt in making mac and cheese is fantastic idea. It gives the macaroni richness and lovely taste!