Description
This kid-friendly Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe cleverly incorporates steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes into a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a delicious and nutritious way to sneak more vegetables into your child’s diet. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish combines the classic flavors of mac and cheese with the added benefits of vegetables, perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ head cauliflower)
- 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes (about ½ inch cubes, peeled)
Pasta
- 8 oz short pasta
Sauce
- 1¼ cups full-fat milk (dairy or dairy free, divided – coconut milk used)
- 2 tbsp ghee (or butter)
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (or flour)
- 1½ 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 Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until slightly al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing to retain starch for better sauce adherence.
- Steam Vegetables: Place a steamer basket in a saucepan and add 1½ cups of water. Add cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes to the basket. Cover and bring to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are fork tender.
- Puree Vegetables: Transfer steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes to a blender along with ½ cup of milk. Blend until smooth to create a creamy vegetable base for the sauce.
- Make Roux: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ghee and arrowroot starch, whisking constantly until mixture forms a roux. Gradually add ¾ cup milk while whisking continuously until the mixture starts to boil and thickens.
- Add Cheese and Veggie Puree: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, the pureed vegetable mixture, garlic powder, dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the pot from heat, add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, and stir until fully combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Optional Broil: Serve immediately or transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil in the oven for 5 minutes to achieve a browned, slightly crispy top.
Notes
- The recipe is easily adaptable for dairy-free diets by using coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce cling better.
- Broiling step is optional but adds a delightful texture on top.
- You can substitute arrowroot starch with all-purpose flour if unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese type to suit personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
