Three Cheese Macaroni with Spinach
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy decadence of Three Cheese Macaroni with Spinach, a gourmet twist on the classic comfort food. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and tangy Parmesan cheeses, all enveloped in a velvety béchamel sauce. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and a nutritional boost, while a golden panko breadcrumb topping delivers the perfect crispy contrast. Quick to prepare yet irresistibly flavorful, this baked macaroni and cheese is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups Fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the cheese sauce for seasoning. Taste and adjust, if needed.
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese and spinach sauce. Mix thoroughly until the macaroni is evenly coated.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let the Three Cheese Macaroni with Spinach cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4899 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 242.5 g | 311% | |
| Saturated Fat | 130.0 g | 650% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 652 mg | 217% | |
| Sodium | 6779 mg | 295% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 463.4 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.9 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.9 g | ||
| Protein | 226.9 g | 454% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4743 mg | 365% | |
| Iron | 28.6 mg | 159% | |
| Potassium | 2825 mg | 60% | |
*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.
