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