Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
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This Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe is a great way to get more veggies into your kids’ bellies. The soft cooked vegetables are blended into the cheesy sauce to help make the flavor more appealing.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1/2 large head cauliflower cut into florets, about 4 cups
- 1 medium zucchini peeled and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups half and half divided
- 1 16 oz box elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 8 oz brick sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 8 oz brick extra sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
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Instructions
- In a large stockpot or dutch oven fitted with a steamer basket, place enough water in the bottom just to reach the bottom of the basket and then add the carrots, cauliflower and zucchini into the basket.
- Steam the veggies, covered, for 15-20 minutes until fork tender.
- Carefully transfer the veggies to a blender and add in 1 cup of the half and half.
- Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth, creamy and fully pureed.
- Strain the veggies through a fine mesh strainer and then set to the side.
- In a large saucepan, cook the elbow noodles as directed on the package until al dente and then drain well.
- While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan and then whisk in the flour, cooking and whisking frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and thick.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining ½ cup of half and half, stirring and heating until it begins to simmer, about 2-4 minutes.
- Once simmering, stir in the strained veggie puree and salt and bring to a low boil.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring well until the cheese is all added and melted.
- Cook the sauce for 1-2 more minutes or until thickened and then carefully pour the cheese sauce over the cooked noodles in a large pot or serving bowl and carefully fold together.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
136kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
8g
(3%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
31mg
(10%)
Sodium
181mg
(8%)
Potassium
237mg
(7%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
3.96IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
79mg
(8%)
Iron
0.3mg
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 136 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 136kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 181mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 237mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 3.96IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 79mg | 8% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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