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Creamy Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

creamy hidden veggie mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, comforting mac and cheese recipe that cleverly hides pureed spinach and cauliflower for a nutritious twist. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free milk like oat milk)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups packed fresh spinach (finely chopped or blended)
  • 1 cup steamed cauliflower florets (blended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam 1 cup of cauliflower florets until very tender (about 7 minutes). In a blender or food processor, combine steamed cauliflower with 2 cups packed fresh spinach and blend until smooth.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, keeping the mixture smooth. Stir in the blended veggie puree. Cook and stir until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to low and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to keep it firm when mixed with sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and creaminess. For a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and broil for 2 minutes (optional). For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour. Dairy-free options include plant-based milk and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, spinach, cauliflower, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy, healthy, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-healthy-comfort-food/