Do you like boxed mac & cheese? I really don’t, not even growing up. I mean, I ate it, but it was one of those ‘dang it, I’d really rather not eat this’ things. Am I alone here? Hope not! Anywho, mac & cheese is still one of those that kids absolutely love, but I hate doing the boxed version, even if my kids are fans of it. So this version is just delicious, using real cheese, plus the spinach and garlic adds a nice little flavoring without being overpowering.

Spinach Mac and Cheese

Ingredients
9 oz. Macaroni noodles
1/4 cup Butter
1/4 cup Flour
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 cups Milk
8 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cloves Garlic
4 cups Spinach
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs, plain or Italian
Pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking

Directions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. When macaroni is done, drain and pour into a large bowl.

Meanwhile, chop the spinach and garlic. It seems like a lot of spinach, but don’t worry, it shrinks when cooked.

Using the same pot you boiled the macaroni in, heat a bit of olive oil and saute the garlic until starting to brown. Add the spinach and continue cooking until it begins to turn dark (looks wet). Add to the bowl with the macaroni and mix together.

In the same pot, melt the butter. Mix in the flour, salt, pepper (to taste), and milk until smooth. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often, until it begins to bubble. Add cheese and mix until fully melted.

Add the macaroni and spinach mix to the pot and mix all together until well combined.

Toast the bread crumbs with a bit of olive oil until slightly browned. Use to top the macaroni.

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