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hidden veggie mac and cheese
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4.80 from 10 votes

Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe (Kid-Friendly)

Super easy, hidden veggie mac and cheese for toddlers, kids, and picky eaters. Made with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s packed with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and sharp cheddar cheese. You can't taste the veggies at all, and it turns out so creamy and wonderful!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gluten free mac and cheese, hidden veggie recipes, kid friendly recipe, kid friendly recipes, toddler recipes
Servings: 4 large servings
Calories: 516kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz short pasta elbow, macaroni, shell - I used these for gluten free
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets about ½ head cauliflower
  • 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes about ½ inches, peeled
  • cups full-fat milk dairy or dairy free, divided - I used coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp ghee or butter
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or flour
  • 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

  • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, but slightly al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
  • Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan, and add 1½ cups water. Add cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes to the basket. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer then cook for 8-10 minutes until fork tender.
  • Transfer the steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes to a blender with 1/2 cup milk. Blend until smooth.
  • Heat a large pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Add ghee and arrowroot starch, and whisk until a roux is formed. Add 3/4 cup of milk and whisk continuously until it starts to boil.
  • Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and stir in cheese, veggie puree, garlic powder, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from heat, and add cooked pasta and stir to combine. Taste to add more salt, if needed.
  • Serve, or you can transfer to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes to get it browned on top.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Cheese: Cheddar is the classic cheese used in mac and cheese. I like to use extra sharp cheddar for this kid-friendly mac and cheese to hide the flavor of veggies better. However, regular cheese will work just fine. You can also experiment with other types that melt well, like cream cheese, gouda, goat, or even parmesan cheese, for a variety of flavors.
  • Vegetables: You can experiment with different types of favorite vegetables. I do recommend sticking with veggies that blend well when steamed, like carrots, broccoli, onions, rutabaga, butternut squash, or even zucchini.
  • Serving: Serve this as a side dish or a main course. I like to use protein pasta when serving as a main course to make it a complete meal. 

Storage Tips

Kept in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers will last for 4-5 days. I just heat it back up in the microwave, but you can do it on the stovetop too. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving - makes 4 | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 5196IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 379mg | Iron: 1mg