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Homemade Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese photo

Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy baked macaroni with tomatoes, olives, feta, and mozzarella for a Mediterranean twist on mac and cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes drained well
  • 1/3 cup chopped olives black or Kalamata
  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • 2 Tbsp butter plus more for baking dish
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic large, finely minced
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 6 oz feta cheese crumbled (use 2 oz in sauce and remaining 4 oz for topping)
  • 2 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking dish or 9-inch deep pie dish
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter an 8x8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch deep pie dish and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes, chopped olives, 1 tablespoon chopped basil, and dried oregano; set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions; drain well and return to the pot.
  4. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped red onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  6. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
  7. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture just to a boil.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 ounces of crumbled feta and the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Toss the drained pasta with the tomato-olive mixture in the pot, then pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to coat evenly.
  10. Transfer the coated pasta to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining 4 ounces of crumbled feta.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden.
  12. Serve warm garnished with additional fresh basil ribbons if desired.

Notes

  • Use Kalamata olives if you want a saltier, fruitier olive flavor.
  • Drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Cook pasta just to al dente since it will bake further.
  • Stir constantly when adding milk to prevent lumps.
  • Adjust salt carefully because feta is already salty.