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Creamy Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

creamy hidden veggie mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy mac and cheese recipe that cleverly hides steamed carrots and cauliflower in a smooth cheese sauce, perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam carrots and cauliflower in a steamer basket over boiling water until very tender, about 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer steamed veggies to a blender or food processor. Add ½ cup warm milk and puree until silky smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups warm milk and the pureed veggie mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens, adding reserved pasta water or extra milk if needed.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  7. Add drained macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  8. Serve warm immediately. Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk on low heat.

Notes

Steam veggies instead of boiling to preserve flavor and nutrients. Blend veggies thoroughly for a smooth sauce. Cook roux for 2 minutes to avoid raw flour taste. Reheat leftovers gently with milk to maintain creaminess. Can be adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, creamy, picky eaters, quick dinner, comfort food, kids meal

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-picky-eaters-dinner/