Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe
A Twist on A Family Classic: Healthy Mac and Cheese
Does your family love to have mac and cheese? Although we don’t recommend mac and cheese as a daily meal, it is okay to consume in moderation and be sure to consider portion sizes. Here is a delicious, and quite healthy mac and cheese recipe with a nutritious twist using cauliflower or butternut squash puree!
One tip we usually recommend with any recipe is to add in some additional vegetables into each meal where you can, especially for those picky eaters. For example, chop up some cooked broccoli and add it into the mac and cheese at the end of preparation! This way you add a little additional nutrients into your family’s healthy mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cauliflower or butternut squash puree
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. paprika
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- While the macaroni is cooking, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the oil, then the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until the mixture begins to thicken, 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vegetable puree, cheddar, cream cheese, and seasonings Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the macaroni and serve warm.
Serves 4 sides
Recipe adapted from: Jessica Seinfeld