Greek yogurt mac and cheese is THE creamiest, THE dreamiest, THE MOST delicious way to eat mac and cheese. Period. End of discussion. Nothing else brings you the thick, creamy, tangy flavor quite like greek yogurt. Plus it means you don’t have to use butter. Hello healthy, protein-packed deliciousness.
And yes, judge me, but this is from a box. Feel free to substitute your milk and butter and cream and fat with greek yogurt in your homemade version for similar heavenly results, but this quick box version is JUST as wonderful. My Annie’s Mac obsession began in college. My roommates and I were famous for our 3 A.M., post-bar Annie’s Mac, and no one realized we always made it with greek yogurt. It just happened to be the best mac and cheese anyone had ever tasted. I think it’s safe to say we ate this 3-4 times a week.
But, when we made it just for ourselves, we did something special: we added green apples. The tart apples, the creamy white cheddar, and just a touch of cayenne. Dear lord. It’s still one of my favorite not-so-guilty pleasures. Plus it has the added benefit of feeling like a totally grown-up version of a kid’s classic.
Also, let me go ahead and put to rest one of the biggest debates in history: fork vs. spoon. I’m a spoon girl ALL THE WAY. Don’t even bring me a fork with my mac and cheese. You gotta scoop up every bit of the creamy cheese and shovel it in your mouth as efficiently as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
- 1 box Annie's Homegrown Shells & White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 cup greek yogurt, (I use whole milk greek yogurt, but 2% or 0% would be even healthier!)
- Salt and pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- 1 granny smith apple, diced (skin on!)
- Splash of milk, for thinning to desired consistency
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook shell pasta for 8 minutes (according to package directions). Drain.
- Return the pot to the stove over low heat.
- Add the greek yogurt until it begins to melt, and then add the hot post on top.
- Stir, and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add 3 dashes of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Stir in cheese packet, and add in the diced granny smith apples last.
- Add a splash (1 tbsp at a time) of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Enjoy!