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Creamy Thermos Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

creamy thermos mac and cheese with hidden veggies - featured image
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A creamy, comforting mac and cheese with pureed carrots and cauliflower hidden in the cheese sauce. Perfect for thermos lunches, this recipe is quick, easy, and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and roughly chopped (about ½ cup)
  • ½ cup cauliflower florets
  • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook the vegetables: Place chopped carrot and cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender. Alternatively, microwave in a bowl with 2 tablespoons water for about 4 minutes.
  2. Blend the veggies: Transfer steamed vegetables to a blender, add ¼ cup broth, and blend on high until completely smooth (30-45 seconds). Set aside.
  3. Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain in a colander; do not rinse.
  4. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale and sandy.
  5. Add the milk: Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add cheese and seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar, mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth (about 2 minutes). Adjust seasoning.
  7. Add veggie puree: Pour vegetable puree into cheese sauce and whisk until fully combined. Sauce will turn deep orange.
  8. Combine everything: Add drained pasta to sauce and stir until coated. Let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Fill the thermos: Preheat thermos by filling with boiling water for 5 minutes. Empty water, then immediately fill with hot mac and cheese. Seal tightly.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block to avoid graininess. Under-cook pasta slightly if packing for a thermos. Let mac and cheese rest 5-10 minutes before serving for thicker sauce. Preheating the thermos with boiling water is essential for keeping lunch hot.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, hidden veggies, thermos lunch, creamy, comfort food, kid-friendly, quick dinner

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-thermos-mac-and-cheese-with-hidden-veggies/