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Can you imagine knowing that a bowl of cheesy pasta has a serving of vegetables? This healthy recipe for veggie mac and cheese is one kids will love.
Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese
When I was looking for ways for my veggie-averse son to eat more vegetables, I read about adding the pureed carrots directly into boxed macaroni and cheese. But what about those of us who don't want to use boxed mixes?
After some experimenting, I found the perfect recipe for healthy cheddar mac and cheese that allows me to load it up with veggies without my son turning up his nose. For kids who don't mind seeing the veggies, be sure to check out my roasted veggie mac and cheese next.
Ingredients
I use macaroni, but any short pasta works. The cheesy sauce is made with milk, carrots (fresh carrots or carrot puree), ricotta, and sharp Cheddar cheese, a cheese combo that yields a creamy texture and helps cut down the sweetness of the carrots (medium Cheddar won't cut it, and you'll have a very sweet-tasting sauce).
How to Make Veggie Mac and Cheese
You can cook the carrots from scratch on the stovetop for 6 minutes or use leftover carrot puree. Then, you blend the carrots with the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, and milk in the blender or food processor for the most epic cheesy sauce! Warm up the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a saucepan, and dinner is ready!
More Hidden Veggie Recipes
Sneaking veggies in food is easy when you have the right recipes. And you, my friend, are in the right place. Try this hidden veggie pasta sauce, these delicious spinach turkey burgers, and my epic spinach brownies that taste like the traditional ones!
Healthy Veggie Mac & Cheese (That Kids Love!)
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped or ½ cup carrot puree
- ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups cooked pasta
Instructions
Cook the carrots:
- Combine the carrots with ½ cup water in a medium saucepan and steam over medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce:
- Add the carrots, ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese and milk to a blender/food processor. Blend until smooth.
Combine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce. Stir to combine and heat over medium for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Cathleen says
I would have gladly helped you taste test this mac and cheese. But you are right, those cheeses were the best ones for mac and cheese. I’m already planning on making it again this weekend, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
DK says
Great mac and cheese recipe! The ricotta cheese in the sauce was the difference maker!
Farah says
Sounds like the perfect recipe for my toddler! Great way to get some nutrients in-thanks so much for this lovely, simple recipe!
Harriet Young says
Delicious! The carrots bring a nice sweetness to the dish that balances so well with the cheese. My daughter loved it. Thanks!
Marie-Pierre says
I love that you’ve added carrots to give it a bit of colour and vitamins! Yum!