Print

Creamy Cheesy Mac and Broccoli Recipe with Hidden Veggies for Easy Healthy Meals

creamy cheesy mac and broccoli - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy mac and cheese dish that cleverly hides nutritious veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot in the cheese sauce for a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred, or 2%, oat, almond, or other dairy-free milk)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and diced carrot in a steamer basket over boiling water until tender, about 6-7 minutes.
  3. Transfer steamed cauliflower and carrot to a blender or food processor. Add about ½ cup (120 ml) of milk and puree until smooth.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until pale and bubbly.
  5. Slowly pour in remaining 1½ cups (360 ml) milk while whisking continuously. Stir in pureed cauliflower and carrot mixture. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove sauce from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne.
  7. Gently fold drained macaroni and steamed broccoli florets into the cheese sauce.
  8. Return mixture to low heat and warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Do not overcook broccoli to avoid mushiness; steam just until tender. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen. Melt cheese slowly to keep sauce smooth. You can mash veggies if no blender is available. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, broccoli, hidden veggies, creamy, cheesy, healthy comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-cheesy-mac-and-broccoli-recipe-with-hidden-veggies-for-easy-healthy-meals/