Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese offers a creamy, tangy twist on a classic comfort food. Using Greek yogurt makes the sauce rich without heaviness, perfect for a quick, healthy meal. You can easily add your favorite veggies to boost its nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry elbows or small pasta (7 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheese, such as Daiya
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt (use 1/4 tsp for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (dairy-free or regular)
- Optional: spinach, kale, or veggies of choice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain but do not rinse.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, combine milk, shredded cheese, and salt in a small pot. Heat gently, stirring until the cheese melts completely.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt. Return to low heat just long enough to warm the sauce without boiling.
- Step 4: Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce along with any optional veggies until evenly coated and heated through.
Tips & Variations
- Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt if you want a vegan-friendly version.
- Add steamed spinach or kale for extra color and nutrients.
- Adjust the salt to taste, especially if your cheese is already salty.
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which helps create a smooth sauce. Regular yogurt can be runnier and may separate when heated, so Greek yogurt is preferred for best results.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mild shredded cheeses that melt well, like cheddar or a vegan alternative such as Daiya, work great. Choose a cheese that complements the tanginess of the yogurt.
PrintGreek Yogurt Mac & Cheese Recipe
This Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese recipe offers a healthy twist on the classic comfort food by replacing heavy cream with protein-packed Greek yogurt. Creamy, cheesy, and customizable with your favorite veggies, it’s a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups dry elbows or small pasta (7 oz)
Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese, such as Daiya (dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt (1/4 tsp recommended)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (dairy-free homemade Greek yogurt used)
Optional
- Spinach, kale, or veggies of choice
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta well, but do not rinse it with water to keep the starches intact for a creamier sauce.
- Make cheese sauce: In a small pot over low heat, combine the milk, shredded cheese, and salt. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Greek yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt and continue to cook on low heat just until the sauce is heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat all the noodles evenly. Incorporate any optional veggies like spinach or kale at this stage if desired.
Notes
- Use dairy-free cheese and Greek yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
- Do not rinse pasta after draining to maintain sauce creaminess.
- Heat the sauce gently to avoid curdling the yogurt.
- Add fresh or sautéed vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust salt according to your taste preference.
Keywords: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese, healthy mac and cheese, vegetarian mac and cheese, dairy-free cheese sauce, easy stovetop mac and cheese
