Mommy Cooking

KID-FRIENDLY

Sneaky Veggie Mac & Cheese

By Mommy Porter · Kid-Friendly & Sneaky-Healthy Cook

4.8 (487 ratings)
Rated 4.8 out of 5

⏱️ Prep 15m · 🔥 Cook 15m · ✅ Total 30 min · 🍽️ Serves 6 · 📊 Easy

🧀

Mommy Porter developed this after one too many dinners where broccoli got pushed to the edge of the plate. Blending the vegetables right into the cheese sauce means there's nothing left to push aside — just a bowl of mac and cheese that happens to be doing double duty.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the veggies: Steam or boil butternut squash and carrot for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and blend with milk until smooth.
  2. Boil the pasta: Meanwhile, cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the base: In the pasta pot, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute until golden.
  4. Combine the sauce: Whisk in the veggie puree, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  5. Bring it together: Fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve warm, topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese.

410 calories

Calories

16g

Protein

15g

Fat

52g

Carbs
Print Recipe
Save ❤

💡 Chef's Tip

Freeze extra veggie puree in ice cube trays — it's a ready-to-go flavor and nutrition boost for soups, sauces, or the next batch of mac and cheese.

🥗 Pairs Well With

  • A side of steamed peas for extra color and a mild, sweet bite
  • Roasted broccoli florets — the cheese sauce doubles as a dip
  • Cucumber or celery sticks for a cool, crunchy contrast
  • Apple slices on the side to balance the richness

❄️ Storage & Freezer Notes

  • Fridge: keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: portion into single servings and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: add a splash of milk before microwaving or warming on the stovetop to restore the creamy texture — it thickens as it chills.

👶 Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

  • Serve in a fun bowl and call it a 'mac volcano' with a well of extra cheese on top.
  • Top with crushed whole-grain crackers for a crunchy surprise.
  • Pair with dinosaur- or star-shaped fruit for a plate that feels like an event.