Veggie Mac N Cheese
Incorporating veggies into a baked Mac n’ Cheese
Boxed macaroni and cheese was not a norm in my house growing up . As an adult having a blue box of mac n' cheese without any additions while satisfying in some way felt a bit salty, and not as cheesy and creamy as I imagined. In an effort to add flavour and maybe make myself feel it’s a bit healthier I revamped it with some roasted veggies and caramelized onions.
Quite by accident I received a wrong order from "the colonel" which included a large mac n cheese so I decided to add my own spin to it by using what I had in my fridge. It does sound like a lot of additional work (unless you have the items on hand ) but in the end this mac n cheese felt like a complete meal while providing that gooey oozy cheesy goodness.
My formula for revamping : Roasted veggies - to give the added "healthy vibe " without too much texture contrast roasted squash, broccoli or caramelized onions. Herbs - thyme , oregano, tarragon, dill and basil are great at adding freshness and flavour . Spices - garlic, pepper flakes (if you want heat), mustard powder and nutmeg to bump up the flavour in the cream base . Dairy, Dairy, Dairy - heavy cream, milk and different types of cheese gives the indulgent and creamy texture that gives mac n cheese the vibe of comforting hug . The finale CRUST - breadcrumbs seasoned with a little black pepper and parsley.
Please note this can be made with a premade box of mac n cheese as well.
Ingredients :
Prepared mac n cheese (boxed)
8 florets of steamed broccoli
1/4 caramelized onion
1/3 cup of steamed cubes squash
1/2 cup grated cheese ( cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan)
1/3 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 tsp Thyme
1/2 tsp tarragon / dill (optional)
1/2 tsp parsley
2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs
1/4 tsp finely minced garlic
1/4 tsp mustard
Preparation:
Prepare mac n cheese according to instructions however, do not mix the cheese sauce into the macaroni.
In a buttered baking dish (8x8) mix together the cooked macaroni, steamed squash, steamed broccoli, caramelized onions and herbs ( tarragon, parsley).
In a sauce pan on low heat mix the cheese mixture with milk , finely minced garlic and mustard together. Turn off heat and move from stove and mix in half of the grated cheese mix until full incorporated.
Pour cheese sauce into the macaroni mixture and ensure the macaroni is fully coated in the sauce mixture. Add in heavy cream and incorporate into the macaroni mixture and top with remaining cheese, panko breadcrumbs and thyme .
Bake at 375 F for 45 minutes. 20 minutes covered in foil and 25 minutes without the cover on.
Serving suggestions :
Serve with a green salad and a slice of crusty bread.
Serve with grilled chicken or fish .