Baked Feta Mac and Cheese with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
This Baked Feta Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic comfort food. Combining uncooked macaroni, milk, cheddar, and a whole block of baked feta cheese, it blends flavors beautifully. The addition of fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes adds a vibrant, healthy touch, making the dish both satisfying and colorful. Baked until bubbly and golden, this one-dish meal is simple, hearty, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta & Dairy
- 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 & 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 into an 8×8 inch baking dish and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Place Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with dried mixed herbs and a little extra black pepper for added flavor.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the dish uncovered at 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F) for approximately 30 minutes until the pasta starts to cook through and the feta softens.
- Mix Feta In: Remove the dish from the oven and break up the feta cheese with a spoon or spatula, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the softened cheese into the pasta.
- Add Vegetables and Adjust: Add the roughly chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring again to combine. If the mixture appears too thick or the pasta requires more cooking, add an extra splash of water to loosen the mixture.
- Bake Second Stage: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the cherry tomatoes are heated through, completing the cooking process.
Notes
- If you substitute macaroni with a larger pasta shape, expect longer cooking times and possibly more liquid to avoid dryness.
- Check the pasta toward the end of cooking to ensure it is tender and add additional water if needed to prevent sticking or dryness.
