Creamy Havarti Mac and Cheese with Spinach 🧀🍃

This delightful twist on a classic comfort food is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious spinach. The smooth and slightly tangy flavor of Havarti cheese elevates the traditional mac and cheese experience, making it a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for an extra satisfying meal! 🥗🍞

Ingredients

For the mac and cheese

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded Havarti cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the spinach addition

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:

   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the spinach:

   • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until wilted. Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the cheese sauce:

   • In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until golden.
   • Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder, and then gradually mix in the cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine:

   • Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed spinach to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until everything is well coated.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the creamy Havarti mac and cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls, and enjoy!

🥄 For an extra crispy topping, consider baking the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Top with breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of cheese, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Make sure your cheese is gluten-free as well! 🌾✨
• Additional protein: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. 🐔🥓
• Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or basil for added flavor and freshness.
• Cheese lovers: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique flavor profile!

Enjoy your creamy Havarti mac and cheese with spinach—it’s cheesy goodness that everyone will love! 😍🍽️