Get the recipe: Kid-Requested Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese (15 Minutes)
Need a dinner you can throw together in under 20 minutes while also managing homework, laundry, and the general chaos of weekday evenings? This is it. Forget the boring boxed stuff - this mac and cheese is loaded with three different veggies blended into the creamiest, dreamiest cheese sauce. It’s comforting, it’s nourishing, and it’s about to be your family’s new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz shaped pasta
- 1/3 cup cauliflower, chopped - fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup carrots, peeled and chopped - fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup sweet potato, peeled and chopped - fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, from a block of cheese works best
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper optional
Instructions
- Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box for 'al dente'. Drain and reserve.
- Veggies: Meanwhile, cook your veggies. If using frozen veggies, place the veggies in a microwave-safe dish along with 2 tbsp water and cook for 2 minutes or until tender. If using fresh veggies, steam in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-6 minutes or until tender.
- Blend: Add the cooked veggies and milk to a blender and blend for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
- Sauce: In the same pot you cooked the pasta, turn the heat to low and melt the butter. Add in the veggie mixture, shredded cheese, salt and pepper.
- Whisk: Make sure to whisk the sauce until completely smooth, usually takes 1-2 minutes for the cheese to fully melt.
- Mac & Cheese: Add in the pasta and mix until well incorporated. If the sauce gets too thick, add in a few tablespoons of milk to thin it out.
- Serve: Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Age: 9+ months
Veggie Amount: I used a total of 1 cup of veggies for this recipe, but you could easily go up to 1 1/2 cups of veggies if you prefer.
How to Store: Store veggie mac and cheese leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Toppings:
Win over even the pickiest of toddlers and older kids by letting them choose from a couple of toppings to sprinkle over their bowl, such as bacon crumbles, everything bagel seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Win over even the pickiest of toddlers and older kids by letting them choose from a couple of toppings to sprinkle over their bowl, such as bacon crumbles, everything bagel seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Peas
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Butternut squash
- Shelled Edamame
- Quartered cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese
- Top with crispy panko breadcrumbs
Did you make this recipe?
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