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Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that cleverly incorporates nutritious cauliflower and sweet potato into a classic favorite. Blending the cooked veggies with milk, cheddar cheese, and butter creates a smooth, cheesy sauce that pairs perfectly with tender pasta. It’s a delicious way to sneak extra veggies into a family-friendly meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • ½ cup cauliflower florets
  • ½ cup sweet potato, peeled and cubed

Dairy & Dairy Alternatives

  • ½ cup milk
  • ¾ cup grated yellow or white cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings & Other

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta

Instructions

  1. Boil Vegetables: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cubed sweet potato, cooking them for about 10 minutes or until they are soft when poked with a fork.
  2. Blend Sauce: Use a large slotted spoon to transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender, draining off all the cooking liquid. Add the milk, grated cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and optional garlic powder to the blender with the vegetables. Puree everything until completely smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce with hidden veggies.
  3. Cook Pasta: While blending, bring the pot of water back to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  4. Combine and Serve: Stir the creamy cheese sauce into the drained pasta until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the mac and cheese warm for a comforting, nutritious meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cauliflower and sweet potato with other soft vegetables like butternut squash or carrots for variety.
  • For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the cheddar cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.
  • Garlic powder is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor; feel free to omit if preferred.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.