Calling all mac and cheese lovers and sneaky parents! Are you ready to revolutionize the classic comfort food while secretly packing in some hidden nutrition? Our Hidden Veggie Mac n Cheese is the ultimate culinary magic trick that transforms a traditional favorite into a nutrient-packed meal that both kids and adults will absolutely devour. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness that's so delicious, no one will ever suspect there's a healthy veggie surprise hiding in every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cauliflower, steamed and pureed
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of steamed and pureed cauliflower, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the 1 cup of milk until well combined. Allow the mixture to heat through, but do not let it boil.
- Gradually add the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the pureed cauliflower into the pot with the macaroni, mixing well to combine.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and cauliflower mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve the Hidden Veggie Mac n Cheese warm, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Tips
- • For the smoothest cauliflower puree, steam the cauliflower until extremely tender and use a food processor or blender to create a silky-smooth texture. • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's consistency. • If the sauce seems too thick, add a little extra milk to reach your desired creaminess. • For extra nutrition, you can substitute part of the cheddar with nutritional yeast for a boost of B-vitamins. • To make this dish even more kid-friendly, try using white cheddar to completely camouflage the cauliflower. • Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and become extra creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 535kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
