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Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

This Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food, blending creamy cheese sauce with pureed vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash to add nutrition without compromising taste. It’s perfect for sneaking extra veggies into a family favorite, delivering smooth, cheesy goodness with a subtle veggie boost.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets (or butternut squash, carrots, or a mix of your favorite veggies)

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups milk (any kind)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Blend the Veggies: 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.
  4. Make the Roux: 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.
  5. Prepare Cheese Sauce: 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.
  6. Add Veggie Puree & Cheese: 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.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: 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.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
  9. Serve: Serve the Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese immediately, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
  10. Optional Baking: 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

  • You can swap cauliflower for other veggies like butternut squash, carrots, or a blend for different flavors.
  • Use any milk of choice: dairy, lactose-free, or plant-based, adjusting thickness as needed.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce milk or add extra cheese; for thinner, add milk gradually.
  • Optional baking gives a crispy, golden cheesy topping but can be skipped for a quicker stovetop version.
  • Season to taste, especially if using salted cheeses or broth.

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, cauliflower mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, cheesy pasta, kid-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe/