Description
Hey, kitchen rockstar! If mac and cheese feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re not alone. But sometimes, that hug can feel a little heavy on cheese and carbs. Enter my Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese—a creamy, cheesy dream with a ninja-level veggie boost that sneaks in cauliflower and sweet potato without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for picky eaters and anyone craving comfort without the guilt. Let’s get cozy, veggie-style!
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (elbows, shells, cavatappi—your choice; gluten-free works too)
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½ cup cauliflower florets (steamed until tender)
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½ cup peeled, cubed sweet potato (steamed until fork-tender)
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½ cup milk (whole milk for richness; dairy-free options like almond or oat milk work)
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¾ cup sharp grated cheddar cheese (hand-grated for best melt)
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2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil)
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
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Cook pasta: Boil salted water (should taste mildly like seawater). Cook pasta until just under al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set pasta aside.
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Steam veggies: Place cauliflower and sweet potato in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam 10-12 minutes until very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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Blend sauce: In a blender, combine steamed veggies, milk, butter, salt, garlic powder (if using), and half the cheese. Blend 45-60 seconds until silky smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
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Combine: Return pasta to pot over low heat. Pour blended sauce over pasta, stirring gently. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen sauce if too thick. Stir in remaining cheese until melted and combined.
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Serve immediately while warm and creamy!
Notes
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Undercooking pasta means perfect texture after mixing with sauce.
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Use fresh, hand-grated cheese for best melting results.
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Frozen cauliflower works in a pinch—thaw and drain well before blending.
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Add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder for extra depth.
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Pair with fresh apple slices or roasted chicken tenders for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g