Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a delightful spin on the classic comfort dish, combining creamy cheese with nutritious hidden vegetables that even picky eaters will love. This recipe allows you to sneak in essential veggies like cauliflower or spinach while maintaining the rich, cheesy flavor everyone craves. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup cauliflower or spinach, steamed and pureed
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, then the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- 2. Prepare the Veggies: Steam cauliflower or spinach until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Blend with enough milk to create a smooth puree.
- 3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux for about two minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about five minutes), then mix in pureed veggies.
- 4. Add Cheese: Lower heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- 5. Combine: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- 6. Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg