Einkorn Spinach Mac and Cheese with Toasted Wheat Berries

Prep: 10 minCook: 45 min5 servingsmediumAmerican
Einkorn Spinach Mac and Cheese with Toasted Wheat Berries

A wholesome twist on classic mac and cheese featuring nutty einkorn pasta and toasted wheat berries. The ancient grain adds complex flavor and satisfying texture while spinach provides color and nutrition. The creamy cheddar sauce binds everything together for a comforting dish that family dinner. Perfect for those seeking heartier, more nutritious comfort food without sacrificing the indulgent satisfaction of traditional mac and cheese.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

5 servings
  • 1 cup organic einkorn wheat berries
    chopped walnuts1:13

    adds:tree_nuts

  • 2 tbls butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 12 oz organic einkorn fusilli
  • 3 tbls salt
  • 4 tbls butter
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup organic einkorn flour
    all-purpose flour1:14

    adds:gluten

  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, divided
    gruyere1:1dairy-free

    4

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 dash fresh pepper
  • 3 large handfuls spinach
    kale1:1

    4

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375F

  2. 2

    Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet

  3. 3

    Add wheat berries and toast for 3-5 minutes until fragrant

  4. 4

    Bring 2 cups water to a boil in heavy bottomed sauce pan

  5. 5

    Add toasted wheat berries to boiling water, reduce to simmer and cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes until tender and water evaporates

  6. 6

    Bring large pot of water to boil with 3 tablespoons salt

  7. 7

    Add pasta and cook for 12 minutes until al dente, then drain

  8. 8

    Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large skillet or cast iron pan

  9. 9

    Add onion and cook until translucent

  10. 10

    Add flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes

  11. 11

    Slowly add milk while whisking until sauce thickens

  12. 12

    Add 2 cups cheese and whisk until melted and creamy

  13. 13

    Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and fresh pepper

  14. 14

    Toss spinach with pasta then mix in cheese sauce

  15. 15

    Pour pasta mixture into baking dish

  16. 16

    Top with remaining 1 cup cheese and 3/4 of cooked wheat berries

  17. 17

    Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes

Tips

Tip 1

Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the cheese sauce if needed

Tip 2

Toast extra wheat berries and store for adding crunch to salads or soups

Tip 3

Let the mac and cheese rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container

Make Ahead

Can assemble without final cheese topping up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, then add cheese and bake

Serve With

Serve hot directly from oven, let rest 5 minutes for easier portioning

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip toasting wheat berries to avoid bland texture

Watch

Whisk flour thoroughly to avoid lumps in cheese sauce

Watch

Don't overbake to avoid dried out top

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

cheddar→
gruyere1:1dairy-free

4

Full guide →

General Alternatives

einkorn pasta→
regular whole wheat pasta1:14
einkorn flour→
all-purpose flour1:14

adds:gluten

wheat berries→
chopped walnuts1:13

adds:tree_nuts

spinach→
kale1:1

4

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular pasta instead of einkorn?

Yes, substitute with whole wheat or regular pasta using the same cooking time and amount.

What if I can't find einkorn flour?

All-purpose flour works as a 1:1 substitute for thickening the cheese sauce.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in oven or microwave.