15-Minute Recipe: Green Mac and Cheese

15-Minute Hidden Veggie Green Mac and Cheese at the Table

You’ve heard of green eggs and ham, but have you heard of green mac and cheese? A fun twist on everyone’s go-to comfort food, this 15-Minute Green Mac and Cheese recipe is a game-changer, secretly packed full of veggies and made with three kinds of cheese — it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before!

This green mac and cheese is the standout veggie-loaded comfort food!

Is there anything better than a piping hot bowl of mac and cheese at the end of a long day? One of our all-time go-to sides, it’s a staple in our house and is served almost weekly. With recipes like our One Pot Mac and Cheese, Chili Mac and Cheese, and Truffle Mac and Cheese, we never get bored!

However, this green mac and cheese might be our most unique (and tasty) variation yet! Made with not one but three different types of cheese, it’s ultra gooey and full of rich flavor. However, unlike other mac and cheese recipes, the sauce is infused with fresh spinach, garlic, and parsley. The end result? Tons of nutrients and a bright green color that make this green mac and cheese fun to eat! Don’t knock it ‘till you try it.

Why You’ll Love Green Mac and Cheese

It cooks in 15 minutes.
It’s savory and satisfying with bright notes of freshness thanks to the spinach and herbs.
You can pair it with all your go-to main coursesfor a complete meal.
Leftovers keep well to enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spinach – Make sure it’s fresh and not frozen.
Parsley – Adds a refreshing herbaceous flavor with bold peppery notes.
Garlic – This is technically optional, but everything tastes better with garlic!
Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil helps thin out the green sauce while adding robust flavor. However, if you prefer a more neutral taste use light olive oil instead.
Whole Milk – Just as in sweet recipes like Cannoli Baked French Toast, whole milk works finest to create a rich flavor and extra silky consistency. Of course, any milk you have on hand will do.
Pasta – We use regular macaroni noodles, but any pasta shape you like finest is fine! If needed, opt for gluten-free varieties.
Butter – This is melted and combined with the flour to form a roux for the base of the cheese sauce.
Flour – Regular all-purpose flour creates the roux and thickens the sauce for gooey green mac and cheese. If needed, swap it out for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Spices – Sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika elevate the ingredients with a hint of warmth.
Cheese – A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar cheeses makes this green mac and cheese infinitely better than anything you’ll find in a box.

How to Make Green Mac and Cheese without Food Coloring

If you’ve made mac and cheese on the stove, you can make this green mac and cheese recipe! With just one extra step it’s speedy, simple, and always hits the spot.

Prepare the Pasta. Cook your macaroni noodles according to the package instructions, drain them, and set them aside.
Create the Spinach Sauce. Add the spinach, oil, parsley, garlic, and milk to a food processor, and pulse until smooth just like you would with from-scratch pesto.
Make the Cheese Sauce. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter and flour. Cook, stirring continuously until the ingredients are well combined and golden in color.

Add warm milk and seasonings to the pot, and continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cheese.
Combine. Add your green sauce to the pot, stirring until it is well combined. Then, add the pasta, and gently stir to coat the noodles.
Serve. Portion your green mac and cheese into bowls, and dig in!

Common Questions About Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

What is hidden veggie green mac and cheese?

It’s a sneaky way to get your kids (or picky adults) to eat their veggies! This dish blends spinach into a silky cheese sauce, giving it a vibrant green color.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Absolutely! Frozen spinach can be a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw it completely before blending.

What kind of cheese should I use?

We like to use a blend of cheddars and Monterey Jack but you can also use a combination of other cheeses like gruyère, gouda, or pepper jack.

Can I add other ingredients to my hidden veggie mac and cheese?

Yes, you can! You can add ground beef, bacon, ham, or other proteins to make it more hearty. Or, toss in some broccoli or mushrooms for even more nutrients. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for even more flavor!

More Simple Mac and Cheese Recipes

On the hunt for more from-scratch mac and cheese recipes? We’ve got you covered with these crowd-pleasing, cheesy recipes!

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 15 mins

This 15-Minute Green Mac and Cheese recipe is secretly full of veggies and made with three kinds of cheese for rich flavor and a silky texture, unlike anything you've ever tasted before! Email

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach packed
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil* if you don’t like the flavor of olive oil, use light olive oil!
1/2 cup fresh parsley
Optional: 2 cloves garlic
2 3/4 cups whole milk divided
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper more or less to taste
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese
1/2 cup White Cheddar cheese
1 pound cooked macaroni pasta

Instructions

In the bowl of a food processor, add the spinach, olive oil, parsley, garlic cloves, and ¾ cup milk. Process until smooth, and set aside.4 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, Optional: 2 cloves garlic, 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil*, 2 3/4 cups whole milk
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is golden brown, stirring frequently.1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup flour
Warm the remaining milk in the microwave or in a separate saucepan. Once hot, pour it into the pot with the flour mixture along with the salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir to combine until the mixture thickens.1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cheese.1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese, 1/2 cup White Cheddar cheese
Add the green sauce, and stir to incorporate. Add the cooked pasta, coating it completely with the sauce.1 pound cooked macaroni pasta
Serve warm!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.