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Creamy Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy for Picky Eaters

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A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese recipe that cleverly hides steamed cauliflower and spinach in the sauce, making it perfect for picky eaters and packed with hidden nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) cauliflower, chopped and steamed
  • 1 cup (about 30 g) fresh spinach, lightly wilted
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour (can swap with gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk like oat or almond)
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam 1 cup chopped cauliflower and 1 cup fresh spinach until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain excess water thoroughly.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine steamed cauliflower and spinach. Blend until completely smooth.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Stir the pureed cauliflower and spinach into the sauce until velvety and smooth.
  7. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Season with ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally add smoked paprika or mustard powder.
  9. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; slightly firm pasta blends better with the creamy sauce. Steaming veggies softens them for a silky puree without extra wateriness. Blend veggies completely smooth to hide texture. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor. Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Can prepare ahead and bake with extra cheese topping at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, creamy, picky eaters, cauliflower, spinach, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-hidden-veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-for-picky-eaters/