Spinach Mac & Cheese (Monster Mac)

Spinach Mac and Cheese (Monster Mac)

If you’re looking for a fun, healthy twist on classic mac and cheese, this Spinach Mac and Cheese, also known as Monster Mac, is the ultimate comfort food makeover! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with hidden greens, it’s a delicious way to sneak extra veggies into your child’s diet as little as 10 months old! The best part? It tastes just like the real deal, only with a bright, vibrant green color that kids absolutely love.

I especially enjoy making this recipe around Halloween time, it looks like something straight out of a spooky storybook, but it’s also a great go-to all year round. For picky eaters or little ones who shy away from greens, this is one meal that brings both fun and nutrition to the table.

Fun Name Ideas for Kids:

One of the best parts about this recipe is that you can make it your own! Kids love when food feels playful, and this vibrant green color opens up endless name possibilities. Try calling it:

• Monster Mac and Cheese for Halloween fun

• Grinch Mac and Cheese for Christmas time

• Hulk Mac and Cheese to make your little one feel strong

• Fairy Mac and Cheese or Tinkerbell Mac and Cheese for magical mealtimes

• Or let your kids come up with their own name! It’s a great way to get them excited about eating greens.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Mac and Cheese (Monster Mac):

• A fun twist on a classic — creamy, cheesy, and kid-approved!

• Packed with greens — a great way to sneak in spinach without it compromising taste.

• Bright and vibrant — the color makes mealtime exciting, especially for toddlers.

• Comforting and cozy — the same creamy texture and flavor as traditional mac and cheese.

• Easy to make — ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits:

This Monster Mac may look playful, but it’s packed with nutrition:

• Spinach adds iron, folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants for healthy growth.

• Cottage cheese brings protein and calcium, helping build strong bones and muscles.

• Cheddar cheese adds richness, flavor, and additional calcium.

• Milk keeps the sauce smooth and boosts vitamin D.

• Butter and flour add creaminess without needing heavy cream, a lighter way to enjoy comfort food!

Fresh vs Frozen Spinach Ratio:

If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 2 cups fresh = 1 cup frozen. Frozen spinach is more compact and concentrated, so halve the amount if swapping. Always thaw and squeeze out water from frozen spinach before blending to avoid a watery sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• For babies (10+ months): Serve soft pasta coated in sauce, cut into small bites.

• For toddlers: Pair with a favorite protein like chicken bites or a side of fruit.

• For older kids and adults: Top with extra cheese and bake for a golden crust!

What You Need:

Blender

2 Pots

Substitutions:

This recipe is super flexible and easy to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Spinach: You can swap with kale, broccoli, or peas for a similar green color and nutrition boost. If using frozen spinach, remember that 1 cup frozen = 2 cups fresh.

• Cottage cheese: Replace with ricotta cheese or farmers cheese.

• Cheddar cheese: Try, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar for a milder flavor or mix a few cheeses together for extra richness.

• Milk: Any milk works, whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all make the sauce creamy and smooth.

• Butter: Swap with olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.

• Flour: Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed for dietary preferences.

• Pasta: Any shape works! Use whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein, or your child’s favorite fun shape to make mealtime even more exciting.

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some more fun mealtime ideas you should check out:

Green Pea Alfredo

Spinach Banana Muffins

Spinach Oat Pancakes

Broccoli Mac & Cheese