Mac and cheese is a comfort food that both kids and adults enjoy. While it’s delicious, packaged mac and cheese is typically high in sodium, fat and calories. Here is a healthier homemade version loaded with veggies that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients:
•1/2 cup elbow macaroni or macaroni
•2 tablespoons olive oil
•1 onion, diced
•3 carrots, diced
•3 celery stalks, diced
•3 cloves garlic, minced
•1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•2 bay leaves
•2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•2 cups low-sodium milk
•1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
•1 cup shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese
•Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain, reserving some of the cooking water.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and sauté until starting to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and bay leaves and cook 1 minute more.
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the milk. Bring to a simmer in the skillet, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses and cooked macaroni, along with 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Add more cooking water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy your veggie-filled mac and cheese!
Some tips to make veggie-filled mac and cheese kids will love:
•Use whole wheat pasta or veggie-based pasta for extra nutrition.
•Use low-sodium cheeses and broth to control sodium.
• sauté the veggies until tender but still crisp-tender for texture.
•Add fresh or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor.
•Use cheese that your kids already enjoy such as cheddar, Gruyere, gouda or Parmesan.
•Top the mac and cheese with bread crumbs or more cheese before broiling for a chewy crust.
•Let your kids help stir in veggies and cheese for extra fun!
•Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.