Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen carrots or squash work beautifully—just heat until soft and continue as directed. They tend to blend very smoothly and taste just as sweet.

Will my kids notice the vegetables?

When blended well, the veggies disappear into the sauce. If you use carrots, expect a slightly deeper orange color, but the flavor is mild and sweet, blending right in with the cheese.

Can I add other veggies besides carrots or squash?

Definitely. Steamed cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or even white beans can be blended into the sauce. Each adds its own nutritional bonus and will work as long as it’s soft and mild in flavor.

What can I do if my cheese sauce seems too thick after adding the vegetables?

Just stir in a bit more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred creamy consistency. The extra fiber from veggies does thicken things up, so don’t hesitate to adjust as needed.

Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese Recipe

Description

This Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese recipe is a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. By blending steamed carrots or squash into the creamy cheese sauce, you can add extra vitamins and fiber without sacrificing any of the cheesy flavor kids love. It’s a quick, clever, and healthy way to sneak more vegetables into family meals.

Ingredients

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Pasta & Cheese Sauce

1 box macaroni and cheese, prepared according to package instructions

Vegetables

1 cup steamed carrots or squash

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Instructions

Prepare Macaroni and Cheese: Cook the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions, including preparing the cheese sauce.
Blend the Vegetables: Mash or roughly chop the steamed carrots or squash. Add them to the prepared cheese sauce. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the hidden veggie cheese sauce until well combined. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute steamed squash for carrots based on your family’s preference.
For extra nutrition, consider adding other mild-flavored steamed vegetables like cauliflower.
Blending thoroughly ensures the veggies are undetectable in texture and taste.
Use pre-packaged shredded carrots to save time on prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: approx 250
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg