Garden Veg Mac and Cheese (Printable)

Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with fresh garden vegetables for a comforting family meal.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
03 - 1 cup carrots, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen peas

→ Cheese Sauce

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
10 - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
11 - 1/2 tsp mustard powder
12 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tbsp melted butter

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli and carrots. In the final minute, add frozen peas. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
05 - Combine drained pasta and vegetables with cheese sauce in the pot or a large bowl. Mix well until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
06 - If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
07 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You get that velvety, cheese pull comfort while sneaking in three vegetables nobody will complain about
  • The sauce comes together in under ten minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
02 -
  • The sauce thickens as it bakes, so make it slightly thinner than you think you need
  • Removing the pan from heat before adding cheese prevents the sauce from separating and becoming oily
03 -
  • Grate your cheese from blocks for the smoothest sauce texture
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper since pre ground loses its punch quickly
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