When the cool, fall weather sets in this Italian Style Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comforting food to put on the table for dinner. Tomatoes, spinach and a blend of spices give this ultra-cheesy macaroni and cheese its Italian-style appeal.
October 1st has come and gone. Can you believe it? Fall is officially here and Cleveland isn’t shy about showing us. This morning when I woke up to take Will to school it was a balmy 45 degrees out.
I keep reminding myself to put coats on the kids when we leave the house. I love fall but find it is hard to wrap my mind around pants, sweaters, scarves and jackets after wearing shorts and flip flops all summer.
When seasons transition, clothes aren’t the only thing that changes. The food we make at certain times of the year depends on the weather, what produce is seasonal, and how we feel as a result of the weather. In winter, you better believe when we have 10 inches of snow on the ground and I can’t leave my house I am making bowls of comforting soup and sipping on lots of hot chocolate. During the fall, when the weather in Ohio is cool and crisp I love to eat soups, casseroles and of course macaroni and cheese. I mean, who doesn’t love a good bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese?
This Italian Style Macaroni and Cheese brings together what you love about macaroni and cheese, the cheese and pasta of course, and mixes in some additional healthy, but flavorful ingredients. The diced tomatoes and spinach give you that extra dose of vegetables that you might not get if you just eat a plain macaroni and cheese. As a Mom of two growing boys that is very important to me when putting a meal on the table. This recipe also uses bread crumbs {or panko breadcrumbs if you prefer} to add a nice crunch to the top of the macaroni and cheese. This isn’t necessary, but I enjoy some crunch in my macaroni and cheese, so for me it just works.
I am excited to have a new partnership with Kraft this year creating recipes for their website and also sharing those recipes with you guys.
To get this Italian Style Macaroni and Cheese recipe go to Kraft’s website <—HERE.
I am a member of Kraft’s Tastemakers, submitting recipes to KraftRecipes.com. Kraft compensates me for my time and provides me with materials to make the delicious recipes you see. As always, my opinions are 100%my own.
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Joy @ Joy Love Food
Wednesday 14th of October 2015
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, this looks wonderful with all the veggies in it!
Julia
Wednesday 14th of October 2015
It really is. Thanks Joy. The veggies are a nice addition to make it a bit more nutritious.
Amy
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
Congrats on the partnership with Kraft, that's so exciting. This macaroni and cheese would be a super hit at my family dinners. We've got some picky eaters that are only happy with veggie options, or the meat they have brought themselves from their homes.
Julia
Wednesday 14th of October 2015
Thanks Amy. Yes, this is a big hit with my family too. I love making it because I always have a good batch of leftovers too!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
The temperatures fluctuate so much here... We just had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend. I cannot believe you work with Kraft! How awesome is that?! I had to go check out the recipe and it sounds fantastic!
Julia
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
In the fall the temperatures fluctuate a ton here too! Last week it was in the 80's and today it is in the 50s. It is hard to know from day to day what you are going to get! But, at least mac & cheese fits well into any season.
kristy @ the wicked noodle
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
What a gorgeous and delicious way to dress up mac 'n cheese! Great comfort food!
Julia
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
Thanks Kristy. It is a nice change from normal mac & cheese and very good comfort food.
Ashley (QLCC)
Monday 12th of October 2015
I didn't know there was an Italian way to make mac and cheese, yum!
Julia
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
I am not totally sure there is but I created it! ;)