Pastichio With Feta Cheese
Some recipes earn their place by being simple, comforting and a little different from the usual. This pastichio with feta cheese is one of them. In particular, it is a meatless take on the classic Greek baked pasta, and it sits comfortably beside my spinach and ricotta stuffed shells and my stuffed eggplant.
What I love about it is how few ingredients it takes. Macaroni, butter, feta, milk and eggs bake into something creamy in the middle and golden on top. As a result, it is as weeknight-friendly as my easy sausage rigatoni and my baked chicken gnocchi.
What’s more, it is not only a satisfying main dish but also a lovely side for a larger spread. With this in mind, I would put it on the table at my Greek-inspired dinner party with a cucumber tomato avocado salad.
What Is Pastichio With Feta Cheese?
In essence, pastichio is a Greek baked pasta. This version skips the meat: cooked macaroni is tossed with melted butter and crumbled feta, covered with a milk and egg mixture, and baked under a layer of bread crumbs and grated cheese.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Macaroni (1/2 pound, cooked and drained). The base of the dish.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted, plus more for the pan). Coats the pasta and greases the pan.
- Feta cheese (1/2 pound, crumbled). Salty, tangy and creamy.
- Milk (2 cups) and eggs (3 to 4, well-beaten). Bake into a soft custard around the pasta.
- Bread crumbs (1/2 cup, divided). Line the pan and top the pasta.
- Grated cheese (1/2 cup, divided). Kefalotiri is a hard, salty Greek cheese.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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10-Inch Square Baking Pan
The size this recipe is written for.
Large Pasta Pot
For boiling the macaroni.
Colander
For draining the pasta.
Large Mixing Bowl
For tossing the macaroni with butter and feta.
Whisk
For beating the eggs with the milk.
Liquid Measuring Cup
For the milk.
Box Grater
For grating the cheese.
Silicone Spatula
For scraping the bowl.
Oven Mitts
For a hot pan.
Serving Spatula
Lifts out clean squares.
Dinner Plates
For serving.
Trivet
Protects the table.
How To Make Pastichio With Feta Cheese
Step 1: Heat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 10-inch square baking pan with butter and sprinkle it with some of the bread crumbs and grated cheese.
Step 3: Mix the Pasta
Combine the macaroni with the melted butter and crumbled feta cheese. Place in the pan and sprinkle the top with bread crumbs and grated cheese.
Step 4: Add the Custard
Add the milk to the well-beaten eggs, then carefully pour the mixture over the macaroni. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. The moistened layer of bread crumbs and grated cheese forms a soft crust as it bakes.
Pastichio with Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb macaroni cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup butter melted, plus more for the pan
- 1/2 lb feta cheese crumbled
- 2 cups milk
- 3 to 4 eggs well-beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs divided
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (kefalotiri) divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 10-inch square baking pan with butter and sprinkle it with some of the bread crumbs and grated cheese.
- Combine the macaroni with the melted butter and crumbled feta cheese. Place in the pan and sprinkle the top with bread crumbs and grated cheese.
- Add the milk to the well-beaten eggs, then carefully pour the mixture over the macaroni. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. The moistened layer of bread crumbs and grated cheese forms a soft crust when baked.
KEEP HOSTING
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The Perfect Fried Goat Cheese Board
Begin the meal with a warm, shareable board for the table.
Keep Reading →Variations
Change the Grated Cheese
If you cannot find kefalotiri, use another hard grating cheese.
Add a Sauce
Serve it with your favorite tomato sauce on the side.
Try Another Pasta
My white truffle Cajun shrimp Alfredo or pesto basil shrimp with chickpea pasta.
Go Seasonal
Brown butter sage pumpkin ravioli for fall.
When I Love Serving Pastichio
Meatless Dinners
A filling main without the meat.
Potlucks
Furthermore, it travels well in its pan.
Sunday Family Dinner
Comforting and easy to share.
Greek-Themed Dinner Parties
It fits the menu.
Busy Weeknights
Equally important, it takes about 45 minutes start to finish.
Holiday Side Dishes
A different kind of baked pasta for the table.
What To Serve With It
A Salad
The winter salad, a watermelon salad with balsamic vinaigrette or one of these 8 salads.
A Vegetable Side
Sauteed asparagus and mushrooms.
Good Bread
Here is where to find fresh bread in Atlanta.
A Starter
Whipped ricotta with roasted grapes and hot honey or creamy spinach dip.
Dessert
Orange-scented olive oil bundt cake.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Leftovers. Cover and refrigerate.
- Reheating. Warm in the oven, covered, until heated through.
- Let it set. A few minutes of rest out of the oven makes it easier to cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there meat in this pastichio?
No. This version is meatless and uses feta cheese.
What is kefalotiri?
A hard, salty Greek cheese used for grating.
What size pan do I need?
A 10-inch square baking pan.
How long does it bake?
30 minutes at 350°F, until lightly browned.
How many does it serve?
Five.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this is comfort food at its simplest. Without a doubt, the feta makes it. Enjoy!
