Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

5 from 30 votes

With two veggies right in the sauce, this Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a favorite kids dinner. (Try having the kids make it with you and watch the veggies disappear!)

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 152kcal

Author: Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup cauliflower florets
½ cup sweet potato (peeled and cubed)
½ cup milk
¾ cup grated yellow or white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
8 ounces pasta

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the cauliflower and sweet potato and cook for about 10 minutes or until soft when poked with a fork. Use a large slotted spoon to transfer the veggies to a blender, draining off all the liquid.
Add the milk, cheese, butter, salt, and garlic powder, if using, to the blender with the veggies and puree until completely smooth.
Meanwhile, bring the water back to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
Stir in the cheese sauce, season to taste with additional salt, if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

Serve any leftovers in an airtight container and heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to warm. If the pasta has firmed up, sprinkle with a little milk, then stir once warmed through. Or make the sauce up to 5 days in the fridge and warm briefly before stirring into cooked pasta.
You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer container or ice cube tray and thaw or warm for future use.
To make this for 6-8 people, simply double all the amounts using a full pound of pasta. You can also add more cheese if you'd like.
Try serving the cheese sauce as a dipping sauce for other cooked veggies, like my Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
Use orange cheese for the most vivid orange color.
Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter if needed.
This is delicious paired with cooked mild Italian sausage or Baked Chicken Tenders.
Use the type of pasta your family prefers, whether whole wheat, gluten-free, bean-based, or traditional.

Nutrition