Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

$- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain) - 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat) - 3 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and pepper to taste I love using elbow macaroni because it holds the sauce well. The sharp cheddar gives a nice, rich flavor. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a bit of tang. - Fresh chives or parsley for garnish Chives or parsley add a pop of color and fresh flavor. They make the dish look great and taste even better! Greek yogurt is a healthy choice. It is high in protein, which helps keep you full. It also has probiotics that are good for your gut health. Plus, it contains less fat than cream. This makes your mac and cheese creamy without the guilt. Enjoying this dish can be both comforting and nourishing! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. This takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. It is key not to overcook the pasta, so keep an eye on it! In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk it together for 1-2 minutes until it looks golden and bubbly. Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking. This step helps to avoid lumps. Cook the mix for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. Now, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt until it’s smooth. Then add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Now, add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce. This step makes your dish rich and flavorful. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want to garnish, sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top. Enjoy your creamy Greek yogurt mac and cheese! To get that creamy texture, start with good cheese. I recommend using sharp cheddar. It melts well and gives a rich flavor. Make sure to stir the cheese in slowly. This helps it melt evenly. Using Greek yogurt adds creaminess without too much fat. Always remove the pot from heat before adding the yogurt. This keeps it smooth and prevents curdling. You can boost the flavor of your mac and cheese easily. Try adding cooked bacon for a smoky taste. Or mix in some cooked broccoli for a veggie kick. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a nice heat. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for a golden crust. Fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, brighten the dish when served. Be careful not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, so it stays firm. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Another mistake is adding cold yogurt straight from the fridge. Always let it sit at room temperature first. This helps it blend better. Lastly, don’t forget to season well. Salt and pepper can make a big difference in taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cheddar cheese and high-quality Greek yogurt for the creamiest and most flavorful results. Adjust the Thickness: If your cheese sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency. Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor twist. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook your macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. {{image_2}} You can make this mac and cheese meat-free. Add extra veggies for a healthy twist. Try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. You can sauté them in butter before adding to the cheese sauce. This will add flavor and color to your dish. Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken works well. Shred it and mix it in with the pasta. Bacon adds a nice crunch. Just cook it crispy, crumble it, and fold it in. You can also use ground turkey or sausage for different flavors. While sharp cheddar is great, try different cheeses! Gruyère gives a nutty taste. Mozzarella adds stretchiness. For a bold flavor, use smoked gouda. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. Just remember to keep the cheese creamy for the best texture. After enjoying your creamy Greek yogurt mac and cheese, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool before sealing it tight. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Always label your container with the date. This way, you know how long it has been stored. To reheat your mac and cheese, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This method helps keep the dish moist. If you want to freeze your mac and cheese, it’s best to do this before adding any garnishes. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. To enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess. It also boosts nutrition. The taste stays rich, making it a great choice. The standard recipe is not gluten-free. Elbow macaroni contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options. Just cook them according to the package directions. To go dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk works well. Look for a dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative too. This keeps the dish creamy while meeting your needs. This blog post covered the key ingredients for a tasty mac and cheese, including Greek yogurt. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking the pasta and making the sauce. You learned tips for the best texture and how to avoid common mistakes. We explored various options, like adding protein or making it vegetarian. Finally, I gave advice on storage and reheating. Overall, this dish is fun to make and enjoy. Experiment with flavors and share it with others!$

Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

A rich and creamy mac and cheese made with Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and everything is well combined.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until all the pasta is coated.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for added flavor.

Keyword comfort food, mac and cheese, pasta