Description
This recipe for Kid-Friendly Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese helps parents sneak vegetables into a classic comfort food. It’s designed to be quick, easy, and appealing to picky eaters, making meal times less stressful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped butternut squash (about 1/2 small squash)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots, butternut squash, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Carefully transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Return the pureed vegetable mixture to the pot. Stir in the elbow macaroni.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until macaroni is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve immediately and watch your kids enjoy their veggie-packed mac and cheese!
Notes
- You can use other mild-flavored vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potato.
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese when stirring in the cheddar.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg