Recipe
Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel
Mediterranean Delight: Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Greek cuisine with this delightful recipe for Creamy Greek Macaroni Béchamel. This traditional dish combines tender macaroni with a rich and velvety béchamel sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
30 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Egg-free
Allergens
Milk, Wheat (gluten)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto
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.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
2.Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
3.In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
-
4.Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
5.Stir in the nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
-
6.Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well to coat the noodles evenly.
-
7.Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
-
8.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
-
9.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
-
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.
More recipes...
For Macaroni béchamel
More Greek cuisine dishes » Browse all
Pasta flora
Greek jam tart
Pasta flora is a Greek dessert that is made with a buttery crust and a sweet jam filling. It is a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Melopita
Honey Pie
Melopita is a traditional Greek dessert that's made with honey and cheese. It's a sweet and tangy treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Greek Manestra
Greek Manestra is a traditional Greek dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is a simple and hearty dish that is easy to make and full of flavor.