Description
A creamy and comforting baked feta mac and cheese dish featuring uncooked macaroni baked in a cheesy milk sauce with feta, cheddar, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. This recipe combines the tangy creaminess of feta with classic cheddar and fresh vegetables, all baked together to perfection in one dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 300 g (~ 2 cups) uncooked macaroni
- 650 ml (~ 2 1/2 cups) milk (full fat or semi-skimmed – not low fat)
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese (~ 1 cup when grated)
- 200 g (~ 7 oz) block of feta cheese
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 1 tsp minced garlic or garlic puree
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 large handful fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ~ 8 good quality cherry tomatoes, halved
- 75 ml (~ 1/4 cup) water (if needed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked macaroni, milk, grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper to a baking dish (approximately 8 x 8 inches), and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Feta and Herbs: Place the block of feta cheese in the middle of the dish on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the dried mixed herbs and a little extra black pepper over the feta block to season.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the dish uncovered at 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F) for about 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to start cooking and the feta to soften.
- Stir and Add Vegetables: Remove the dish from the oven and break up the softened feta with a spoon or spatula, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the cheese evenly. Then add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring them into the pasta mixture.
- Adjust Consistency and Bake Again: If the mixture seems too thick or if you feel the pasta needs more cooking, add an extra splash of water (around 75 ml / 1/4 cup). Return the dish to the oven and bake for a further 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cherry tomatoes are hot.
Notes
- If using larger pasta shapes instead of macaroni, cooking time may increase and you might need to add more liquid to ensure it cooks properly.
- Keep an eye on the top towards the end of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
- Full fat or semi-skimmed milk is recommended for creamiest results; avoid low-fat milk to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
