Cheesy Hidden Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic macaroni and cheese enriched with pureed cauliflower and broccoli for a creamy, veggie-packed twist that kids love. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, steam 1 cup cauliflower florets and 1 cup broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until very tender.
  3. Step 3: Transfer steamed cauliflower and broccoli to a blender and add 1/2 cup whole milk. Blend until completely smooth, then set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
  5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in remaining 2 cups whole milk and continue whisking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the pureed vegetables, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika. Stir until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
  7. Step 7: Fold in the cooked macaroni until fully coated with the cheese and veggie sauce.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately for creamy mac and cheese, or transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes for a baked version.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Hidden Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Cheesy Hidden Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac 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 Cheesy Hidden Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac 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 Cheesy Hidden Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cheesy Hidden Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac 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.

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