Go Back
In today's culinary landscape, the fusion of comfort food with healthy eating has become increasingly popular, allowing people to savor their favorite dishes without compromising on nutrition. The Cheesy Veggie Delight Mac & Cheese stands out as a prime example of this delicious trend. This dish offers a superb balance of rich, cheesy flavors that many of us crave while seamlessly incorporating a variety of nutritious vegetables. It's an ideal meal for families, combining the indulgence of mac and cheese with the wholesome goodness of fresh produce. In this article, we will delve into the ingredients that make this dish special, the preparation methods involved, and the various ways to enhance your mac and cheese experience.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition with our Cheesy Veggie Delight Mac & Cheese. This recipe transforms a classic favorite by incorporating nutritious vegetables like cauliflower and butternut squash, along with a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for that creamy, rich flavor you crave. Learn the step-by-step process to create this deliciously satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy a healthier twist on mac and cheese that's sure to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup cauliflower florets

1 cup butternut squash, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Veggies: In a steaming basket or pot, steam the cauliflower florets and diced butternut squash until they are tender, about 10 minutes. Once they are cooked through, transfer them to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Set the puree aside for later use.

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Return the same pot to the stove over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not burnt.

        Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk to the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently. Next, fold in the blended cauliflower and butternut squash puree, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.

          Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes gooey. Then, mix in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until all ingredients are well-combined and fully incorporated into the sauce.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece of pasta is well-coated in the rich and creamy mixture.

              Prepare Optional Breadcrumbs Topping: For a crunchy finish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

                Serve and Enjoy: If you chose to bake it, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and relish the comforting flavors and nutritious surprises this dish has to offer!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    Presentation Tips: Serve the mac and cheese in individual bowls or on a large platter, beautifully garnished with parsley and a light dusting of smoked paprika for extra flair. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy creation!