Veggie Mac N Cheese Recipe That Kids Will Love

When comfort food calls, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm, creamy bowl of mac n cheese. But why not make it even better by adding a nutritious twist?

This Veggie Mac n Cheese recipe combines the classic cheesy goodness with vibrant vegetables, making it a wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to sneak more veggies into your diet, this dish is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor, but it also offers a colorful presentation that’s sure to brighten up any dinner table. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a delicious, veggie-packed version of the beloved mac n cheese that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Veggie Mac n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food makeover. It’s creamy and cheesy, yet packed with wholesome vegetables that boost the nutrition without compromising the flavor.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever fresh or frozen veggies you have on hand. It’s perfect for picky eaters too, as the veggies blend seamlessly into the rich cheese sauce.

Another reason to love this dish is how quick and simple it is to make. With basic pantry staples and fresh produce, you can have a hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

For more vegetarian inspiration, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or vegan cheese alternative)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta and steaming vegetables
• Colander for draining pasta and veggies
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Baking dish or casserole dish (if baking)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower until just tender, about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep some crunch and vibrant color. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a light golden paste. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
4. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate the cheese: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Combine pasta, veggies, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and steamed vegetables into the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until well coated.
7. Optional baking step: For a golden crust, transfer the mac n cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Serve and garnish: Spoon the veggie mac n cheese into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free and vegan version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or a homemade cashew cheese sauce.

Tip: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have—spinach, peas, zucchini, or bell peppers all work wonderfully in this dish.

If you want to add some protein, mix in cooked chickpeas or lentils before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This veggie mac n cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed greens like kale or Swiss chard to add even more nutrients to your meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic bread or roasted sweet potatoes.

It also makes a fantastic side dish for vegetarian proteins such as grilled tofu or tempeh.

Looking for more comforting vegetarian dishes? Try our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals or explore the Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for more pasta inspiration.

Conclusion

Veggie Mac n Cheese is a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy and colorful twist. This recipe is easy to customize, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.

The combination of creamy cheese sauce and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor or indulgence.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and cheese blends to make the dish your own.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Veggie Mac n Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and comforting mac and cheese packed with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal the whole family will enjoy.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz elbow macaroni”, “2 cups broccoli florets”, “1 cup diced carrots”, “1 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “2 cups milk”, “2 tbsp butter”, “2 tbsp all-purpose flour”, “1/2 tsp garlic powder”, “1/2 tsp onion powder”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/4 cup breadcrumbs”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam broccoli and carrots until tender, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine macaroni, steamed vegetables, and cheese sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake at 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}