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Veggie Mac and Cheese: A Healthy Twist on a Classic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 57 reviews

This Veggie Mac and Cheese offers a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyere blends perfectly with tender elbow macaroni and vibrant chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peas, and red bell pepper. Topped with a golden Parmesan breadcrumb crust, this baked casserole combines wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced small
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced small

Topping

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions but reduce the time by 1-2 minutes to ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked and firm.
  2. Shock Pasta: Prepare an ice bath with ice and water. Drain the cooked macaroni and immediately plunge it into the ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain firmness. After a couple of minutes, drain thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Make Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and has a slight golden color, forming the base for the cheese sauce.
  4. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Season Sauce: Remove the thickened sauce from heat. Stir in salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg for a warm, subtle spice.
  6. Melt Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Add Vegetables: While the cheese sauce is still warm, stir in the chopped broccoli, diced carrots, frozen peas, and diced red bell pepper, gently combining them into the sauce.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the drained elbow macaroni into the cheese and vegetable sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  9. Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  10. Assemble Dish: Pour the macaroni, cheese, and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  11. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs if using. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  12. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  13. Rest and Serve: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese sauce settle and thicken slightly.

Notes

  • Using whole milk adds extra creaminess to the sauce, but you can substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, ensure that the cheeses and breadcrumbs do not contain animal-derived rennet or ingredients.
  • Feel free to swap the vegetables for your favorites or what you have on hand, such as cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach.
  • The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
  • If you prefer a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cheese sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta, and check the breadcrumbs ingredients accordingly.

Keywords: veggie mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, vegetable mac and cheese, easy family dinner, comfort food, vegetarian mac and cheese

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/veggie-mac-and-cheese-a-healthy-twist-on-a-classic-recipe/