Gluten Free Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies
This creamy, comforting gluten free mac and cheese sneaks in steamed cauliflower and carrots for extra nutrients, perfect for kids, picky eaters, and health-conscious adults alike.
Equipment
- pot For boiling pasta
- blender or food processor To blend veggie sauce
- saucepan To heat and melt cheese
- baking dish (optional) If broiling
- steamer basket or microwave steamer For carrots and cauliflower
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup steamed cauliflower florets
- 0.5 cup steamed carrots
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk or unsweetened dairy-free alternative
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika (smoked optional)
- 1 tsp tapioca starch (optional, for thickening)
- 0.25 tsp salt, or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine steamed cauliflower, steamed carrots, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and cook until cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. Optionally, whisk in tapioca starch for extra thickness.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Serve as is, or transfer to a baking dish.
- Optional: Broil for 3–5 minutes to achieve golden crispy edges. Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes if desired.
Notes
Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. For added protein, swap half the cheese with blended cottage cheese. This dish freezes beautifully, store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of milk for best results.
Nutrition
Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4100IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 1.8mg
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