Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

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Baked greek yogurt mac and cheese is an easy, nutritious version of a classic comfort food! It’s a protein-packed side dish to feed a crowd – and easily made gluten-free.

front view of a spoon taking a scoop of Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese from a baking dish

I’m a firm believer that making homemade versions of your favorite pre-packaged foods is always a better choice! And this greek yogurt mac and cheese is a delicious, homemade version of everyone’s favorite boxed dish!

This recipe is creamy and cheese and loaded with protein! It’s easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and flour!

Since there is an entire cup of Greek yogurt in this healthy mac and cheese recipe it’s a great source of protein, so I usually serve it as a meatless main dish! You could easily serve it as a side or a make-ahead lunch (because it makes amazing leftovers)!

Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese in a baking dish with a spoon

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese: Substitutions 

overhead photos of the labeled ingredients in this Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese recipe
  • Elbow Macaroni: any pasta variety works well in this recipe, including gluten-free pasta. I like shapes like elbows, shells or wheels,.
  • Flour. for a gluten-free version, use an all-purpose gluten free flour.
  • Whole milk. 2% milk or half and half are great substitutions.
  • Greek Yogurt:ย I have used all different kids of plain Greek yogurt, including fat free, with great results!
  • Cheddar Cheese:ย Use your favorite variety and sharpness of cheese!
Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese in a bowl with a fork

How to Makeย Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Let’s walk through how to make greek yogurt mac and cheese.

Begin by cooking the macaroni in boiling water until al dente – drain and do not rinse.

macaroni cooking in water to make Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese

Make the Cheese Sauce

Next, make the cheese sauce.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Once butter is melted, add the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.

Cook on medium heat for 1 minute, or until it forms a paste-like consistency and becomes light brown.

making Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese - butter/flour mixture cooking

Add milk and greek yogurt and whisk until ingredients are combined.

Cook the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to thicken (but does not boil).

Once the mixture is thick, turn heat to low and add 2 cups of cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted.

Assemble

Add cheese sauce to the cooked and drained pasta and stir to combine.

Make on the Stovetop (no Baking)

You do not have to bake this recipe. You can stop at this step and serve it straight from the stovetop without the topping.

In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients.

Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese topping mixture in a bowl

Pour the macaroni & cheese mixture into prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle topping over pasta.

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on the top is melted and slightly browned.

To Prepare in Advance

This greek yogurt macaroni and cheese can be made ahead of time and baked when you’re ready. Just assemble and leave it covered at room temperature (for up to one hour) or in the refrigerator!

If the dish is cold when you put it in the oven, cover it with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking.

Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese in a baking dish after baking

Serve

Serve this greek yogurt mac and cheese withย roasted broccoli. or a deliciousย salad. You can also serve this homemade mac and cheese as an easy side dish for a BBQ or potluck!

Store/Freeze

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or covered in the oven stet to warm.

up close photo of Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese in a bowl with a fork

Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese FAQs

Do I have to bake this recipe?

No. You can serve the greek yogurt mac and cheese after the macaroni is stirred into the cheese sauce and you do not need to bake it .

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13″ pan.

Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese in a baking dish with a spoon

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Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Laura
Baked greek yogurt mac and cheese is an easy, nutritious version of everyone's favorite comfort food! It's a protein-packed side dish to feed a crowd – and easily made gluten-free.
5 from 7 votes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 367
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Macaroni and Cheese:

Topping:

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8×8โ€ baking dish (or 2 quart casserole dish), set aside.

Cook the Macaroni

  • Cook macaroni (or pasta of choice) according to package instructions in salted bater.
  • Drain pasta but do not rinse.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  • Measure out dry ingredients ( flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper) into a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Once butter is melted, add the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
  • Cook on medium heat for 1 minute, or until it forms a paste-like consistency and becomes light brown.
  • Add milk and greek yogurt and whisk until ingredients are combined.
  • Cook the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to thicken (but does not boil).
  • Once the mixture is thick, turn heat to low and add 2 cups of cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.

Assemble

  • Add cheese sauce to the cooked and drained pasta and stir to combine.
  • Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients.
  • Sprinkle topping over pasta.

Bake

  • Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on the top is melted and slightly browned.
  • Serve warm!

Notes

Ingredient Substitution Notes
  • Elbow Macaroni: any pasta variety works well in this recipe, including gluten-free pasta. I like shapes like elbows, shells or wheels,.
  • Flour. for a gluten-free version, use an all-purpose gluten free flour.
  • Whole milk. 2% milk or half and half are great substitutions.
  • Greek Yogurt:ย I have used all different kids of plain Greek yogurt, including fat free, with great results!
  • Cheddar Cheese:ย Use your favorite variety and sharpness of cheese!
Store/Freeze
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or covered in the oven stet to warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 43.8g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 4.6g | Sugar: 4.2g | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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21 Comments

  1. Sorry if I missed this – Does this freeze well after baking? If so, any tips??

    Canโ€™t wait to try it!

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you for the recipe. It was so good! My husband who is a picky eater went back for a second helping! I will definitely make it again!