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Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese

Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese
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Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic elevated with pureed cauliflower and carrots for a nutritious boost. This family-friendly recipe sneaks vegetables into every bite without compromising flavor or texture, making it ideal for picky eaters and busy weeknights. Customizable and easy to prepare, it blends rich cheeses with a smooth veggie base to create a delicious, wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Vegetables

  • 1 ½ cups macaroni pasta
  • 1 cup cauliflower, steamed and pureed
  • 1 cup carrots, steamed and pureed

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 cups milk or cream (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mild mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Veggies: Steam the cauliflower and carrots until tender. Transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until very smooth, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
  4. Combine Veggie Puree and Cheese: Stir the steamed vegetable puree into the thickened milk mixture until well combined. Lower the heat to low, then gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  5. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese and veggie sauce over the cooked macaroni. Gently stir to coat every piece with creamy, cheesy goodness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water.

Notes

  • Steam veggies thoroughly for a smooth sauce without chunks.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful punch without extra salt.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Use a high-powered blender for a silky smooth veggie puree.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, creamy pasta, healthy comfort food, family-friendly dinner, gluten-free mac and cheese, vegetable puree

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/hidden-veggie-mac-cheese/