30 Days 30 Ways with Macaroni & Cheese

Spinach Artichoke Macaroni & Cheese
By Alison Lewis, Ingredients Inc.

When I was asked to come up with a recipe for a new twist on Macaroni and Cheese for Wisconsin Cheese and their upcoming “Macaroni Blog,” I was so excited. They asked what type of cheese I wanted to use in my recipe, and I quickly said, “Fontina.” Since my three kids love Spinach-Artichoke Dip, I thought I would combine a simple macaroni and cheese recipe with spinach and artichokes making a comforting, creamy dish.

Here’s how: Start by boiling the noodles. Combine half-and-half, milk, flour, sea salt and pepper. Stir in spinach, artichokes and Fontina. Pour in a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Bake in the oven and that’s it. This recipe is wonderful for a main or side dish. My kids loved it, and I think you will too!

Spinach Artichoke Macaroni & Cheese
Serves 8 to 10

Ingredient:
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3 1/2 cups shredded Wisconsin Fontina Cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup shredded Wisconsin Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta and cook according to package directions; drain well and set aside.

Whisk together half-and-half, flour, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

Add in cooked macaroni, spinach, artichokes and Fontina Cheese; mixing well.

Pour macaroni mixture into a lightly greased 13-x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese; drizzle evenly with melted butter.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve immediately.

Labels: Fontina, Macaroni & Cheese, Parmesan, Recipe, Wisconsin Cheese

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