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Creamy Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe Kids Will Love Easy and Healthy

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A creamy mac and cheese recipe that cleverly hides pureed carrots and cauliflower in a luscious cheese sauce, making it a kid-friendly, healthy comfort food everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 1 cup (150 g) carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup (150 g) cauliflower florets
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam 1 cup (150 g) chopped carrots and 1 cup (150 g) cauliflower florets for about 10 minutes until tender.
  3. Transfer steamed vegetables to a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth, adding a splash of warm milk if needed to loosen.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (60 g) butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup (30 g) flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
  5. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) warmed whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar and 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the pureed veggies, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix in optional 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika if desired.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat every noodle completely. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
  8. Serve immediately for creamy stovetop mac and cheese, or transfer to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for a golden crust.

Notes

If clumps form during sauce preparation, lower the heat and whisk vigorously. Let the sauce rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a baked version, watch the cheese topping closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, kids recipe, creamy mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe-kids-will-love-easy-and-healthy/