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Home » Pasta Recipes » Veggie Mac and Cheese

Veggie Mac and Cheese

Published: May 5, 2019 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Apr 20, 2022 · 1072 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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People go crazy over this Veggie Mac and Cheese! The rich and creamy sauce is the perfect balance for broccoli, carrots and baby peas. This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand if you feel like switching things up. Sometimes when I'm craving extra cheese, I sprinkle some Parmesan on top.

Ultimate Veggie Mac n Cheese - This is Mac n Cheese all grown up! Packed with veggies and a blend of Grand Cru®, Havarti and Sharp Cheddar. Sharp, silky and oh so creamy! - WendyPolisi.com
This Veggie Mac and Cheese is the perfect casserole for Meatless Monday!
First Published: April 10, 2016...
Last Updated: May 5, 2019

Mac and Cheese was a staple in our house when I was a kid, but I was an adult before I ever tasted homemade Mac n Cheese.

Like a lot of kids from the '70s, Mac and Cheese was a staple in my diet growing up.

Now we aren't talking something like this Veggie Mac and Cheese.

We are talking about the one that comes in a box with powdered cheese.

My sister and I use to argue about the best way to make it. Should you melt the butter and then add the milk and sauce mix, or should everything go into the pot at once?

(Since I am sure you are dying to know, I was on team everything goes in on top of the drained noodles at once.)

It wasn't until I was grown and learned to cook on my own that I ever tasted homemade Mac and Cheese.

Ultimate Veggie Mac n Cheese - This is Mac n Cheese all grown up! Packed with veggies and a blend of Grand Cru®, Havarti and Sharp Cheddar. Sharp, silky and oh so creamy! - WendyPolisi.com

That moment began a love affair that will last a lifetime.

In the beginning, I made a simple recipe that ultimately evolved into what my boys now call "Mom's World Famous."

It is still one of my most requested dishes from the boys for special occasions, and something the whole family agrees on. (If you have been around here long, you know that that is a rare thing around my house.)

Over time, my palate has evolved, and I prefer getting a bit more adventurous in the kitchen. Though my traditional Mac n Cheese is great comfort food, I much prefer today's Ultimate Veggie Mac n Cheese.

It just feels better to add a little veggies to an otherwise decadent dish!

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Made with gluten free penne, sharp cheddar, fresh spring vegetables and a hint of cayenne, this is Mac n Cheese all grown up!

How to Make Veggie Mac and Cheese

#1 Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 casserole dish with cooking spray. Gather your ingredients and measure.

Ingreidents for Veggie Mac and Cheese in white prep bowls.

#2 Cook Pasta and Veggies: Cook pasta according to package directions, adding in the vegetables in the last two minutes. Drain and rinse.

#3 While the Pasta Cooks Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Photo of butter melted in a saucepan with the other ingredients for Veggie Mac and Cheese sitting beside it.

#4 Add Flour: Add flour, and whisk for 2 minutes, until golden brown.

#5 Add Milk: Add in the milk and cook, stirring often, for about 8 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Photo of milk being added to a saucepan with melted butter and flour.

#6: Add Cheese: Add in all but ½ cup of the cheese, mustard powder, sea salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook over low until the cheese melts.

Photo of the cheese being added to veggie mac and cheese.

#7 Add Pasta: Toss the pasta and veggies with the cheese sauce.

Photo of pasta and veggies being added to the sauce for Veggie Mac and Cheese.

#8 Transfer and Bake: Transfer to a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.

Photo of veggie mac and cheese in a white casserole dish ready to go in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What veggies go with mac and cheese?

Shredded carrots, baby peas, broccoli, diced tomatoes, and sauteed spinach are all great options for adding to this recipe. Feel free to substitute whatever you have on hand.

What are the best cheeses for Mac and Cheese?

You can use a wide variety of cheeses, and even use your own blend to create a more complex flavor profile. Good options include cheddar, Colby, Gruyere, Swiss, fontina, Gouda, and goat cheese. Smoked cheeses can make for especially interesting flavors.

Ultimate Veggie Mac n Cheese - This is Mac n Cheese all grown up! Packed with veggies and a blend of Grand Cru®, Havarti and Sharp Cheddar. Sharp, silky and oh so creamy! - WendyPolisi.com

Tips to Make This Recipe

  • Make sure that your heat is not too high when you add the cheese. This can cause your sauce to break.
  • This dish can be prepared up to a day ahead of time and baked when you are ready to serve. Alternatively, you can make this completely ahead of time and reheat. You may wish to add a bit of butter or milk when reheating.
  • Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. You may freeze this for up to 3 months.

If You Like This Veggie Mac and Cheese You may Also Like:

  • Skinny Mac and Cheese
  • Southwestern Veggie Wrap
  • Quinoa Mac and Cheese
  • Loaded Veggie Quinoa Pasta
  • Cashew Mac and Cheese
  • Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese (make it with gluten free pasta and flour to keep it gluten free)
  • Smoked Meatloaf

The following are affiliate links. We are a participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Ultimate Veggie Mac n Cheese - This is Mac n Cheese all grown up! Packed with veggies and a blend of Grand Cru®, Havarti and Sharp Cheddar. Sharp, silky and oh so creamy! - WendyPolisi.com
If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my recipes.

Veggie Mac and Cheese

This Ultimate Veggie Mac and Cheese is a delicious way to get your kids eating more vegetables!  Cheesy, creamy, and so delicious. Resistance is futile!

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Veggie Mac and Cheese

This Ultimate Veggie Mac n Cheese is a delicious way to get your kids eating more vegetables!
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time37 mins
Total Time57 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesy
Servings: 10
Calories: 474kcal
Author: Wendy Polisi

Equipment

  • 13 x 9 Casserole Dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces gluten free penne
  • 1 head broccoli chopped
  • 1 ½ cups English peas shelled
  • 2 large carrots grated (or 3 medium sized)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons gluten free flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 18 ounces cheddar cheese or cheese blend
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 13 x 9 casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions, adding vegetables in the last two minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water.
  • Meanwhile, make sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. 
  • Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes, until golden brown. (Note that some gluten-free flours do in brown well.)
  •  Add milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes, stirring often. Add all but ½ cup cheese, mustard powder, salt, pepper and cayenne.
  •  Cook over low heat until cheese melts.
  • Toss pasta and veggies with cheese sauce and place in a casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake for 25 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 624mg | Potassium: 506mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3630IU | Vitamin C: 63.8mg | Calcium: 471mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Other Gluten Free Pasta Recipes to Try:

  • Gluten Free Baked Ziti
  • Gluten Free Baked Spaghetti

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About Wendy Polisi

Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristen

    April 14, 2016 at 1:31 am

    I'd like to try their cheese in a quiche.

    Reply
    • Wendy Polisi

      July 11, 2017 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      Yes! That would be fabulous!

      Reply
  2. Vanessa Perrine-Luster

    September 10, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    What is Roth Ultimate Mac & Cheese?

    Reply
    • Wendy Polisi

      September 11, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      It is a cheese blend that is pre-shredded. If your grocery store doesn't carry it, just use your preferred cheese for mac & cheese. (I like extra sharp cheddar.)

      Reply
  3. MPaula

    April 07, 2018 at 11:09 pm

    I saute some vegetables, especially onions, mushrooms and peppers, and them into the finished mac and cheese. I also add frozen peas when the pasta is almost finished cooking. I don't drink milk so I don't have it in the house. In university, I tried yoghurt, instead. Now I always make it that way.

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out! Read More…

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