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Healthy Thermos-Friendly Mac and Cheese Recipe with Hidden Veggies Made Easy

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A comforting, creamy mac and cheese with hidden steamed cauliflower and carrots blended into the cheese sauce, designed to stay warm and creamy in a thermos for lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets (about 100 grams), steamed until tender
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and steamed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 grams)
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) (480 ml)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (110 grams)
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded (110 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (30 grams) (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook for about 7 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Place 1 cup of cauliflower florets and 1 peeled medium carrot in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam until soft, about 8–10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave covered veggies with a little water for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  3. Transfer steamed cauliflower and carrot to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of milk if needed to loosen the mixture.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture bubbles but doesn’t brown.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the pureed veggies. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup (110 grams) sharp cheddar and 1 cup (110 grams) mild cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Greek yogurt (optional), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add smoked paprika or mustard powder if using.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
  8. Spoon the mac and cheese into a preheated thermos to help retain warmth. Seal tightly and serve.

Notes

Preheat the thermos with boiling water before filling to maximize heat retention. Stir the cheese sauce frequently while cooking to avoid burning and keep it silky. If the sauce is too thick after adding pasta, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for balanced flavor and smooth melt. Puree veggies finely to avoid texture changes. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese to prevent graininess.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, thermos-friendly, hidden veggies, cauliflower, carrot, kid-friendly, lunchbox recipe, creamy cheese sauce

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/healthy-thermos-friendly-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-hidden-veggies-made-easy/