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- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 1 medium zucchini, grated - 1 medium carrot, grated - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 2 cups milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Sneaky Veggie Baked Mac & Cheese recipe, designed to please even the pickiest eaters. This creamy dish combines classic flavors with hidden nutritious veggies like zucchini, carrots, and peas, delivering essential vitamins while maintaining all the cheesy goodness you adore. Perfect for family dinners, this mac and cheese is not only satisfying but also a clever way to boost your meal's health benefits. Enjoy a delicious meal that kids will love and parents will appreciate!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 small zucchini, finely grated

1 small carrot, finely grated

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

3 tbsp unsalted butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the hidden veggies. Grate the zucchini and carrot; then, in a medium bowl, combine the grated veggies and peas.

        Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

          Incorporate Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.

            Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Fold in the hidden veggies gently until well incorporated.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

                Optional Topping: If desired, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

                  Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                    Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and wholesome sneaky veggie baked mac & cheese!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6