Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) macaroni 250g (8.8 oz) macaroni
• 4 cups (946ml) milk 4 cups (946ml) milk
• 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. 5.
   Stir in the nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well to coat the noodles evenly.
7. 7.
   Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Macaroni — Cook the macaroni until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite when baked in the oven.
• Nutmeg — Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor. It adds a warm and aromatic note to the béchamel sauce.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and flavorful topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the macaroni mixture before baking.
• To achieve a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Serve the Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel with a fresh Greek salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add a refreshing element to the dish.

Presentation advice

Present the Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel in individual serving dishes or in a large baking dish for family-style serving. The golden and crispy top should be visible, enticing your guests with its inviting appearance. Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and parsley on top for an extra touch of elegance.