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Mac & Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Easy Mac & Cheese with Hidden Veggies That Kids Actually Love

A creamy, cheesy bowl of Mac & Cheese with Hidden Veggies that kids will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Use sharp cheddar for a tangy kick.
  • 1 cup Milk Whole milk for creaminess, or plant-based milk for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour For thickening the cheese sauce.
For the Hidden Veggies
  • 1 cup Cauliflower Steamed and finely pureed.
  • 1 medium Carrot Grated or pureed.
  • 1 cup Spinach Finely chopped and wilted.
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Classic choice for mac & cheese.
For Topping (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Toasted with melted butter.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese For a savory topping.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender
  • Baking dish

Method
 

How to Make Mac & Cheese with Hidden Veggies
  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook until just al dente (7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Steam cauliflower florets, sliced carrots, and fresh spinach until tender (about 7 minutes), then blend with ½ cup milk until perfectly smooth and creamy.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute until bubbling and lightly golden to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and veggie purée, cooking until the sauce thickens into a lush, velvety texture (3–4 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat, then fold in sharp cheddar cheese until it fully melts into a silky, golden sauce.
  6. Toss cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs and parmesan, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheddar shreds. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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