Baked Zucchini and Carrot Macaroni and Cheese
A kid-friendly macaroni and cheese baked with finely grated zucchini and carrot to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing flavor. This American-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup zucchini, finely grated
- 1 cup carrot, finely grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz elbow macaroni, and cook for 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Fold in 1 cup finely grated zucchini and 1 cup finely grated carrot, then add the cooked macaroni and stir to combine evenly.
- Step 6: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle evenly on top.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Zucchini and Carrot Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Zucchini and Carrot Macaroni and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Zucchini and Carrot Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Zucchini and Carrot Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Zucchini and Carrot Macaroni and Cheese?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of vegetables and cheese. My son asked for seconds without noticing the hidden carrots!
- ★★★★★
My picky eater actually said 'more please'! The carrots added a sweet crunch that made this dinner a win.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this! The zucchini and carrots made the mac and cheese feel like a healthy treat without sacrificing creaminess.
