Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe (Kid-Friendly) Recipe

Introduction

This Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a kid-friendly twist on a classic comfort dish, packed with nutritious cauliflower and sweet potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and subtly sweet, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz short pasta (elbow, macaroni, or shell) – gluten free if preferred
• 2 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ head)
• 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes (about ½ inch, peeled)
• 1¼ cups full-fat milk (dairy or dairy free, such as coconut milk), divided
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or flour
• 1½ cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until slightly al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
2. Step 2: Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan and add 1½ cups of water. Add cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes to the basket. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until fork tender.
3. Step 3: Transfer the steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes to a blender with ½ cup of milk. Blend until smooth.
4. Step 4: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ghee and arrowroot starch, whisking until a roux forms. Slowly add ¾ cup milk while whisking continuously until it starts to boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Stir in shredded cheese, the blended veggie puree, garlic powder, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in the cooked pasta, stirring until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes to achieve a golden browned top.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky kick.
• Try mixing in cooked peas or finely grated carrots for extra veggies.
• If you don’t have arrowroot starch, cornstarch or all-purpose flour works as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or reheated thoroughly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower and sweet potatoes?

Yes, steamed butternut squash, pumpkin, or carrots are great alternatives that blend well into the sauce and maintain a smooth texture.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze the mac and cheese, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the pasta or freeze assembled portions and reheat gently.

Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe (Kid-Friendly) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

This kid-friendly Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese blends creamy cheddar cheese with pureed cauliflower and sweet potatoes, creating a nutritious and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for sneaking in extra vegetables without sacrificing flavor, this recipe features gluten-free pasta and can be made dairy-free using coconut milk, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz short pasta (elbow, macaroni, or shell) – gluten free recommended
• 2 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ head cauliflower)
• 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes (about ½ inch cubes, peeled)
• 1¼ cups full-fat milk (dairy or dairy free, e.g., coconut milk), divided
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or flour
• 1½ cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until slightly al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to preserve some starch for better sauce adherence.
2. Steam Vegetables: In a large saucepan with a steamer basket, add 1½ cups of water and bring to a boil. Place cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes in the steamer basket, cover, reduce to a simmer, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are fork tender.
3. Blend the Veggies: Transfer the steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes into a blender along with ½ cup of the milk. Blend until smooth and creamy to create the hidden veggie puree.
4. Make the Roux and Sauce Base: On the stovetop, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ghee and arrowroot starch, whisking to form a roux. Slowly add ¾ cup of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture begins to boil and thickens.
5. Add Cheese and Puree: Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, the veggie puree, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the pot from heat, add the cooked pasta, and gently stir to combine everything evenly. Taste the mac and cheese and adjust salt if needed.
7. Optional Broil: Serve immediately or transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes to achieve a beautifully browned and slightly crispy top layer.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free.
• Substitute dairy milk with coconut or other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
• Arrowroot starch acts as a thickener and can be replaced with flour if preferred.
• Broiling is optional but adds a delicious golden crust to the mac and cheese.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on cheese’s saltiness.
• Steaming veggies helps retain nutrients while softening them for blending.

Keywords: hidden vegetable mac and cheese, kid-friendly mac and cheese, gluten-free mac and cheese, vegetable puree cheese sauce, creamy macaroni and cheese, healthy comfort food