Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Love mac and cheese but want a healthier version? My Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese is the answer. After making this many times, I discovered that Greek yogurt is the secret to a creamy, indulgent sauce with less fat. Keep reading for my best tips on preventing a lumpy sauce. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad With Cottage Cheese and Almond Joy Protein Balls.
Why This Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and indulgent without the heavy calories
- Ready in just 20 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
- Better than takeout with a homemade touch
- Versatile – add your favorite proteins or veggies
What You'll Need for Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Greek yogurt
- Pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Optional: Breadcrumbs
- Optional: Parsley
- Optional: Bacon
- Optional: Spinach
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Greek yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for a creamy sauce.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality non-stick skillet — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
- Immersion blender — Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a pan, add flour, then whisk in milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in Greek yogurt, cheese, and seasonings.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Adding Greek yogurt directly to the hot sauce can cause it to curdle. Instead, temper the yogurt by mixing it with a small amount of the hot milk before adding it to the sauce.
- Pro tip: For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before broiling.
- Pro tip: Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and add vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and reheat it before combining with the cooked pasta.
Freezing Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or crème fraîche for a similar result.
- Make-ahead: Cook the pasta and make the sauce ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thick, add more pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs
- Parsley
- Bacon
- Spinach
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a pan, add flour, then whisk in milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in Greek yogurt, cheese, and seasonings.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or crème fraîche for a similar result.
- Make-ahead: Cook the pasta and make the sauce ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thick, add more pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make ahead: You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and reheat it before combining with the cooked pasta.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 11g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and reheat it before combining with the cooked pasta. However, cooked pasta can become soggy when refrigerated, so it's best to cook it just before serving.
Adding Greek yogurt directly to the hot sauce can cause it to curdle. To prevent this, temper the yogurt by mixing it with a small amount of the hot milk before adding it to the sauce.
No, this recipe is best made on the stove or in the oven. The air fryer is not suitable for cooking pasta or making a cheese sauce.
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or crème fraîche for a similar result. However, these substitutes may not provide the same level of creaminess.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a cozy winter dinner. The creamy sauce and warm cheese will fill you up and comfort you on a cold night.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Greek Yogurt Macaroni Cheese – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
