Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

Indulge in creamy, cheesy comfort with a healthy twist in this Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe! Perfect for picky eaters and veggie lovers alike, this dish sneaks in a medley of nutrient-packed vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, and cauliflower, seamlessly blended into the rich, velvety cheese sauce. A genius way to boost the nutritional value of a family favorite, this recipe pairs sharp cheddar and Parmesan with a hint of garlic and onion for irresistible flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy, kid-friendly dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it as is or top with extra cheese and broil for a golden, bubbly finish. Packed with flavor and hidden veggies, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser while keeping dinner wholesome!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces macaroni pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1.5 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, steam the diced carrot, zucchini, and cauliflower florets until tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the steamed vegetables to a blender and puree until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Mix in the vegetable puree, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1593.8 grams (1593.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3277

Total Fat 152.30g	195%
Saturated Fat 93.50g	468%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 477mg	159%
Sodium 5716mg	249%
Total Carbohydrate 330.00g	120%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 44.00g
Protein 157.20g	314%

Vitamin D 269IU	1347%
Calcium 3261mg	251%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 2952mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.3%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 39.8%