Cheesy Veggie Mac with Hidden Carrot & Cauliflower for Toddlers
A creamy pasta that sneaks in veg for picky eaters
Cheesy Veggie Mac with Hidden Carrot & Cauliflower for Toddlers
A quick, creamy mac and cheese packed with pureed carrots and cauliflower, perfect for toddlers and fussy eaters who need hidden veg for a balanced dinner.
Nutrition per serving
Nutritionist’s Note
I often recommend this dish to families with young children because it sneaks in two servings of veg without compromising taste. The blend of carrot and cauliflower adds beta-carotene and vitamin C, while the cheese provides calcium and protein needed for growing bones. It's low in added salt and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 250 g small elbow macaroni
- 20 g unsalted butter
- 15 g plain wheat flour
- 300 ml whole milk
- 100 g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 g carrot, peeled and grated
- 50 g cauliflower florets
- 30 g frozen peas
- 1 tsp mild smoked paprika
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp olive oil
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the pasta and cook 6-7 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Steam the carrot and cauliflower together until tender, about 5 minutes, and blend with a splash of milk to a smooth puree.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, simmer 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens, then stir in the grated cheese until fully melted.
- Add the vegetable puree, peas, paprika, salt and pepper to the cheese sauce, stir and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat each piece, and cook together for 1 minute.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a little extra grated cheese.
Tried this recipe?
Scan to cook from your phone
Storage
Cool to room temperature within one hour, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a little water if the sauce thickens. The dish freezes well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Tips
- For extra protein, stir in a tablespoon of hemp seeds just before serving.
- If your child dislikes visible veg, blend the puree more finely and add a little extra cheese to mask the flavour.
- Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish suitable for gluten-intolerant toddlers.
Want a meal plan built around your needs?
If you'd like more like this, tailored to your routine and your condition, a free 15-minute call is where we figure out what that could look like.
Online consultations by secure video call, open to clients across the UK and overseas.
