Description
This Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a kid-friendly recipe that cleverly incorporates steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes into a creamy, cheesy sauce. The pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed in a rich blend of extra sharp cheddar cheese and pureed vegetables, making it a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Perfect for picky eaters, this recipe is easy to prepare and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastas and Vegetables
- 8 oz short pasta
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ head cauliflower)
- 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes (about ½ inch cubes, peeled)
Dairy & Fats
- 1¼ cups full-fat milk (dairy or dairy free, divided – coconut milk recommended)
- 2 tbsp ghee (or butter)
- 1½ cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Thickening Agents & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (or flour)
- 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: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until slightly al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to retain starch for better sauce adherence.
- Steam Vegetables: Place a steamer basket inside a large saucepan with 1½ cups of water. Add cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes, cover with a lid, and bring water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and steam for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are fork tender.
- Blend Vegetables: Transfer the steamed cauliflower and sweet potato pieces to a blender with ½ cup of milk. Blend until smooth to create a creamy vegetable puree that will enrich the cheese sauce.
- Make Roux and Sauce Base: Heat a large pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Add ghee and arrowroot starch, whisking continuously to form a roux. Slowly add ¾ cup of milk while whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
- Add Cheese and Veggie Puree: Reduce the stove to the lowest heat setting, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese, the smooth vegetable puree, garlic powder, dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the pot from heat, add the cooked pasta, and stir well to coat all the noodles evenly with the cheesy vegetable sauce. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Serve or Broil: Serve immediately or transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes to achieve a brown, bubbly crust on top.
Notes
- Using full-fat milk or coconut milk contributes to a richer sauce and better texture.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives compatible with your dietary needs.
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to help the sauce stick better.
- The broiling step is optional but recommended for a crispy, golden top.
- Arrowroot starch is a gluten-free thickener; flour can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- You can customize the cheese by swapping cheddar for other sharp cheeses like gouda or gruyere.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
