Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also secretly packs a nutritional punch! This Gluten Free Hidden Veggie Mac Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs is the ultimate culinary magic trick that transforms a classic favorite into a wholesome meal. Whether you're trying to sneak more vegetables into your diet or simply craving a deliciously indulgent dish, this recipe promises to be a game-changer that will have both kids and adults begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free macaroni
- 1 cup cauliflower, steamed and blended
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a blender and process until smooth and creamy, creating a vegetable base for the sauce.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook gluten-free macaroni according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine blended cauliflower, milk, and shredded cheese. Stir continuously over medium heat until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each pasta piece completely.
- In a separate small bowl, mix chopped pecans with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping.
- Transfer mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle pecan breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until breadcrumbs turn golden brown and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.
Tips
- Cauliflower Blending: Ensure your cauliflower is completely steamed and blended until ultra-smooth to create a seamless, creamy sauce.
- Cheese Selection: Use a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor complexity.
- Breadcrumb Crunch: Toast the pecans and breadcrumbs briefly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and ensure a crispy topping.
- Gluten-Free Assurance: Double-check all ingredients, especially breadcrumbs, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Moisture Control: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Garnish Options: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
