Save to Pinterest This ultra-creamy two-ingredient baked feta mac and cheese turns a classic comfort food into an easy weeknight favorite. Simply combine pasta and a block of tangy feta with no need for additional sauces or complex steps. When time is tight but you crave something rich and homemade, this recipe delivers cheesy goodness with nearly no effort.
My family was skeptical at first but it quickly became a go-to for busy nights when everyone needs something comforting with little fuss. My youngest calls it cheese magic and asks for second helpings every time.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta: 12 ounces Choose a shape that holds sauce well and check the box for quality that does not turn mushy
- Block feta cheese: 8 ounces Only use a full block instead of crumbled for supreme creaminess and stick to authentic Greek-style feta for the brightest flavor
- Reserved pasta water: The secret to a silky sauce is in the starchy cooking water so scoop it out before draining
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional): Adds bite and cuts through the richness Look for whole peppercorns and grind fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and give it time to reach full temperature so the feta softens perfectly
- Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add at least a tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta's flavor Bring to a rolling boil and add the pasta Stir frequently and cook until just al dente which helps the pasta hold its shape after baking Drain and remember to save half a cup of the pasta water
- Arrange in Baking Dish:
- Place the full block of feta cheese right in the center of your baking dish Choose one that is about eight inches square for even distribution
- Add Pasta and Pasta Water:
- Scatter the drained pasta around the feta Try to keep it gently pressed around the cheese for best coverage Drizzle the reserved pasta water over and around everything for creamy sauce texture
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Slide the dish into the oven uncovered Let it bake for twenty minutes until the feta turns golden at the edges and is very soft You will see little bubbles forming at the edges when ready
- Mix to Make it Creamy:
- Remove the hot dish from the oven and immediately start mashing the feta into the pasta Use a wooden spoon or spatula Stir thoroughly so every bite turns rich and creamy with no big chunks left
- Season and Serve:
- Give everything a taste before adding salt since feta is already quite salty Grind fresh black pepper over the top if desired and serve hot right out of the baking dish
Save to Pinterest I love how the feta melts into a creamy sauce that tastes so much more complex than the effort required. Watching the whole pan get scraped clean by my kids always makes my heart soar this is one of those recipes that makes everyone smile
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature then cover and refrigerate up to three days For best reheating add a few drops of water or milk before microwaving and stir well to restore creaminess
Ingredient Substitutions
Use gluten-free pasta to make this suitable for those with wheat intolerance Whole-wheat pasta is a wholesome option Crumbled feta can work if you cannot find a block but the sauce may be less creamy Try French or Bulgarian feta for a different tang Try adding chopped roasted cherry tomatoes or a little wilted spinach for vegetables
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a comforting main dish with Greek salad and warm crusty bread Pair with grilled vegetables for a fresh counterpoint Top with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving for color and aroma A finishing sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness
Cultural and Historical Context
This baked feta twist nods to the viral feta pasta trend but has its roots in both Mediterranean simplicity and American comfort food The combination gives you familiar mac and cheese pleasure with the bold cheesy tang of Greek feta
Seasonal Adaptations
Roast summer cherry tomatoes on top before baking Add chopped spinach or kale during colder months for extra veg Fresh herbs like basil in summer or thyme in fall work wonders
Success Stories
I first made this for a last-minute weeknight dinner after seeing a version online and my family devoured it in minutes My neighbor tried it with gluten-free pasta and it became her meal prep hero dish Leftovers pack well for school or work lunches
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze bake as directed then cool completely Divide into single servings and wrap tightly Freeze up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk for best creamy texture
Save to Pinterest Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist this baked feta mac and cheese guarantees satisfying creamy comfort every time. It is one dinner everyone will request again and again!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or shells works well with this preparation.
- → Is it possible to substitute the feta cheese?
For best results, use block feta. However, similar crumbly, tangy cheeses may be used as alternatives if desired.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Toss in roasted tomatoes, spinach, garlic, or finish with herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check the cheese for any added ingredients.
- → What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
The reserved pasta water and baking process allow the feta to melt and coat the pasta, making it creamy and smooth.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it contains only pasta and feta, both suitable for a vegetarian diet. Always check labels to be sure.