Print

Creamy Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

creamy hidden veggie mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, comforting, and creamy mac and cheese recipe that sneaks in pureed cauliflower and carrots for added nutrition, perfect for picky kids and busy families.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) frozen cauliflower florets, steamed and pureed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) carrot puree, cooked and blended until smooth
  • 3 tablespoons (43 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 ounces (57 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, steam 1 cup frozen cauliflower florets and 1/2 cup chopped carrots until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess water carefully.
  3. Transfer the steamed cauliflower and carrots to a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth, adding a tablespoon of milk if needed to help it blend.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons (43 g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a pale, bubbly paste.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Stir the cauliflower and carrot puree into the thickened milk mixture and blend well to combine.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar and 2 ounces (57 g) softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir gently until all noodles are coated.
  9. If desired, pour the mac and cheese into an oven-safe dish, sprinkle 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  10. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick after adding cheese, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it. Don’t rush the roux stage to avoid floury taste. Puree veggies thoroughly for a smooth sauce. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor. Breadcrumb topping is optional for a crispy finish. Can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets by swapping ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, creamy, kids meal, healthy, cauliflower, carrot puree, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-healthy-kids-meal/