Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese allows you to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese while sneaking in some extra nutrients. By blending veggies like cauliflower, carrots, or butternut squash into the sauce, you’re able to boost the nutritional value without affecting the taste. The result is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s both wholesome and delicious. It’s an easy way to get your veggies in and perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
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2 cups cauliflower florets (or butternut squash, carrots, or a mix of your favorite veggies)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cups milk (any kind)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
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8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Veggies:
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Steam the cauliflower (or your chosen veggies) until tender, about 8-10 minutes. If you’re using butternut squash or carrots, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until soft.
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Once cooked, transfer the veggies to a blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup of the milk and blend until smooth. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a little more milk.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
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Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the blended veggie puree, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy veggie sauce. You can add more milk if the sauce gets too thick.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
5. Serve:
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Serve the Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese immediately, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
6. Optional Baking:
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For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6 servings
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 20-30 minutes (depending on veggie choice)
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Total time: 35-45 minutes
Variations
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Add Extra Veggies: You can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or sweet potatoes to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
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Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
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Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and vegan butter to make this dish vegan. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor.
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Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or gouda for a more complex flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake or microwave until heated through.
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Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen cauliflower or other veggies can be used in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to cook and drain them thoroughly before blending.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
For a creamier sauce, you can add more cheese or substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking or reheating. The flavors will meld together even more after a day or two.
Can I skip the veggies?
The hidden veggies add a lot of nutrients and flavor to the dish, but if you prefer, you can make a traditional mac and cheese without the veggie puree. Simply follow the cheese sauce recipe without adding the veggies.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape, such as penne, shells, or rotini, to make this dish.
Conclusion
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a fun and nutritious twist on a classic comfort food. With a creamy, cheesy sauce packed with vegetables, this dish allows you to enjoy all the indulgent flavors of mac and cheese while sneaking in some healthy ingredients. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for a healthier version of mac and cheese, or just want to enjoy a delicious, comforting dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a healthier twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce packed with nutritious vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or butternut squash. Perfect for sneaking in extra veggies without sacrificing flavor, this dish is a family-friendly favorite that’s rich, cheesy, and wholesome. Ideal for picky eaters or anyone looking for a more nutritious mac and cheese option!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
-
2 cups cauliflower florets (or butternut squash, carrots, or a mix of your favorite veggies)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
2 cups milk (any kind)
-
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
-
8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
-
Cook the Veggies:
-
Steam the cauliflower (or your chosen veggies) until tender, about 8-10 minutes. If using butternut squash or carrots, roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until soft.
-
Once cooked, transfer the veggies to a blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup of the milk and blend until smooth. You can add more milk for a thinner sauce if needed.
-
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
-
Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the blended veggie puree, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy veggie sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
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Serve:
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Serve the Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese immediately, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
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Optional Baking:
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For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
-
Notes
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, peas, or sweet potatoes to the sauce for added nutrition.Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and vegan butter to make this dish vegan. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor.Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or gouda for a richer and more complex flavor.
