Description
This kid-friendly Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe cleverly incorporates cauliflower and sweet potatoes into a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. It uses gluten-free pasta and can be made dairy-free with coconut milk and ghee, perfect for families looking to sneak in extra vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz short pasta (elbow, macaroni, shell) – gluten free preferred
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about ½ head cauliflower)
- 1 cup cubed sweet potatoes (about ½ inch cubes, peeled)
Sauce
- 1¼ cups full-fat milk (dairy or dairy-free, coconut milk used)
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (or flour)
- 1½ cups 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: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until slightly al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing to maintain starch for sauce binding.
- Steam Vegetables: Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan with 1½ cups water. Add cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes to the basket, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are fork tender.
- Blend Veggie Puree: Transfer the steamed cauliflower and sweet potatoes to a blender with ½ cup of milk and blend until smooth, creating a creamy vegetable base for the sauce.
- Make Roux: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ghee and arrowroot starch, whisking continuously until a roux forms. Gradually add ¾ cup milk, whisking constantly until the mixture begins to boil and thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, the vegetable puree, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the pot from heat, add the cooked pasta, and stir gently to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Optional Broil: Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and broil for 5 minutes to achieve a browned, bubbly top.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Extra sharp cheddar provides a stronger cheese flavor that helps mask the taste of vegetables, but feel free to try cream cheese, gouda, goat cheese, or parmesan for different tastes.
- Vegetable Options: Substitute or add other steamed veggies like carrots, broccoli, onions, rutabaga, butternut squash, or zucchini for variety and extra nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy as a side dish or a main course. Using protein-enriched pasta makes it a complete meal.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
