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Creamy Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

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This ultra-creamy mac and cheese sneaks in pureed carrots, cauliflower, and sweet potato for extra nutrition, all blended into a rich cheese sauce that even picky eaters will love. Perfect for easy family dinners, it’s comforting, golden, and kid-approved.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped (about 3 oz)
  • 1 heaping cup cauliflower florets (about 3.5 oz)
  • 1/2 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed (about 2.5 oz)
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 cups whole or 2% milk (dairy-free works too)
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (Neufchâtel or plant-based alternative)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop carrot, sweet potato, and break cauliflower into florets. Add to a medium saucepan with garlic cloves and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender (8-10 minutes). Alternatively, microwave veggies in a covered bowl with a splash of water for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Drain cooked veggies and garlic. Transfer to a blender with milk, cream cheese, and 1 tbsp butter. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour veggie sauce into large saucepan or Dutch oven (off heat). Stir in shredded cheddar and Gruyère/Monterey Jack until melted. Add salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce. Stir until noodles are coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or extra milk, 1 tbsp at a time.
  6. For crispy topping (optional): Pour mac and cheese into greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix panko, Parmesan, and melted butter; sprinkle over top. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and crunchy.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sauce will thicken as it sits.

Notes

For extra flavor, roast veggies instead of boiling. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for GF version, or plant-based dairy for vegan. Blend sauce until silky for best texture. Double sauce and freeze for future meals. Add a scoop of cottage cheese for protein boost. Don’t overcook pasta; slightly undercooked noodles absorb sauce better.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, family dinner, kid-friendly, comfort food, creamy, casserole, vegetarian, easy recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe-for-easy-family-dinners/