Best 4 Hidden Veggie Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a delectable culinary masterpiece – our Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese. This comforting dish combines the irresistible flavors of classic mac and cheese with the goodness of hidden vegetables, making it a delightful and nutritious meal for the whole family. Our recipe collection offers three enticing variations to tantalize your taste buds: a classic rendition, a creamy spinach version, and a tangy tomato version. Each variation is crafted with a luscious cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a medley of vegetables disguised within the cheesy goodness. The classic mac and cheese recipe delivers the timeless flavors you love, while the creamy spinach version adds a vibrant green hue and a boost of nutrients. The tangy tomato version introduces a delightful acidity that perfectly balances the rich cheese sauce. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where indulgence meets health, as you discover the joy of eating your vegetables in this irresistible mac and cheese dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HIDDEN VEGGIE MAC & CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: elbow macaroni, water, cauliflower florets, butternut squash, carrot, milk, cheddar cheese, cream cheese

Provided by Hannah Williams

Categories     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
½ cup water
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup butternut squash, diced
1 cup carrot, sliced
2 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese

Steps:

  • Add water, cauliflower, squash, and carrots in a pot over medium heat. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.
  • Add everything into a blender, including cooking water, and blend until smooth.
  • Return blended veggies to the pot over medium heat, and add the milk, cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
  • Add macaroni, reduce heat, mix thoroughly, and cover for 20 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630 calories, Carbohydrate 69 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 29 grams, Sugar 8 grams

3-VEG MAC 'N' CHEESE



3-veg mac 'n' cheese image

Sneak vegetables into macaroni cheese, a popular family meal that becomes even more nourishing for kids with the addition of butternut squash, leeks and peas

Provided by Caroline Hire - Food writer

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield Serves 2 adults + 2 children

Number Of Ingredients 9

150g butternut squash, cut into chunks
300g penne (we used Napolina 50% white 50% wholemeal)
40g butter
1 small leek, finely sliced (about 50g)
25g flour
600ml milk
100g frozen peas
175g mature Cheddar cheese (we used a vegetarian version)
1 slice day-old brown bread, blitzed into crumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put the butternut squash in a steamer over boiling water. Steam for around 15-20 mins or until tender. Drain and then blitz in a food processor until smooth.
  • Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions.
  • Heat the butter in a medium saucepan, add the leek and cook for 2 mins. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 mins more. Take the pan off the heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Return to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring all the time. Simmer for 5 mins. Stir in the peas and bring back to a simmer. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the butternut squash, then 125g cheese.
  • Stir the pasta into the sauce and transfer to an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and the breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 mins or until golden and bubbling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 680 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 19 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 69 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 29 grams protein, Sodium 1.25 milligram of sodium

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH HIDDEN CAULIFLOWER



Baked Mac and Cheese with Hidden Cauliflower image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Cooking spray
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 small head cauliflower, cored
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons creamy French onion dip
8 ounces shredded mild Cheddar
8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 cups crushed sour cream-and-cheddar potato chips

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and reserve.
  • Meanwhile, grate the cauliflower on the large holes of a box grater, or chop it into chunks and pulse to rice-size pieces in a food processor.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the grated cauliflower and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, another 5 minutes. Add the flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring.
  • Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly, then increase the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
  • Take off the heat and stir in the French onion dip, Cheddar, Colby Jack, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt until melted. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Top the pasta with the crushed potato chips. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes (be careful, the potato chips can burn easily).

HIDDEN VEGGIE MAC AND CHEESE



Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Carol

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 head cauliflower, small, cut into pieces
2 cups butternut squash, pieces frozen
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces low-fat cream cheese
4 tablespoons margarine
16 ounces elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • Fill medium pot, with a cover, about 1/4 of the way with water.
  • Add the cauliflower and carrots, and bring to a boil.
  • Cook, covered, for 6 minutes.
  • Add the squash, and cook, covered, 3 more minutes.
  • Drain the veggies and let them cool a minute.
  • Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
  • Put the veggies in a blender or food processor with about 3/4 cup water and puree until smooth.
  • Add the puree to a large sauce pan.
  • On medium low heat, add in the milk, salt, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and margarine, and stir until melted.
  • Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and stir.

Tips:

  • Choose a high-quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
  • Cook the vegetables until they are tender. This will help them to blend into the mac and cheese and make it more cohesive.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, texture, and color to your mac and cheese. Some good options include carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and spinach.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best choice for mac and cheese. If you overcook the pasta, it will become mushy and the mac and cheese will be less flavorful.
  • Season the mac and cheese well. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder, to taste.
  • Top the mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping. This will give it a crispy, golden-brown crust.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately. This is when it is at its best.

Conclusion:

Hidden veggie mac and cheese is a delicious and nutritious way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This recipe is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. So get creative and experiment with different vegetables and cheeses. You're sure to find a combination that everyone will love.

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