Collard Greens Mac Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy comfort of Collard Greens Mac & Cheese—a Southern-inspired twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and cream cheese. The star addition? Fresh, sautéed collard greens, bringing a hearty, earthy flavor and a pop of vibrant green to every bite. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion, and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness. Ready in under an hour, it’s an irresistible side or main course perfect for weeknight dinners and holiday tables alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups collard greens, fresh and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble (about 3-5 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed collard greens, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Collard Greens Mac & Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
679 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.0 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.1 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 114 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 876 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.9 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 28.6 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 646 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 374 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
