Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato
Try this Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups milk (i used 2%)
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 pounds (16 oz) whole wheat elbow macaroni (or any other k
- 1 medium sweet potatoes microwaved or baked until soft (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 3-4 cups grated cheese (i use colby-jack)
- 3/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (panko crumbs work well)
- 2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
- optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Carbohydrate 29.4980166666667 g
- Cholesterol 2.75625 mg
- Fat 0.782464583333333 g
- Fiber 3.94416666666667 g
- Protein 4.47096875 g
- Saturated Fat 0.484408333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (630g)
- Sodium 103.729583333333 mg
- Sugar 25.55385 g
- Trans Fat 0.0590833333333335 g
- Calories 141 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Coat a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray (or two 8x8 and freeze one for later).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but still a bit firm. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Drain pasta in strainer/colander and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to keep from sticking.
- Meanwhile, place the sweet potato flesh (orange part), milk, pasta water, yogurt, salt and pepper into a blender and blend until smooth (this hides the vegs from keen eyes!).
- Then pour the milk mixture into the same pot you cooked the pasta in. Stir frequently over medium-high heat and cook until the mixture is almost simmering.
- Turn to low and slowly whisk in the cheese a little bit at a time. Stir until mostly melted and smooth. Cooking Note: The cheese sauce will seem runny/soupy but it thickens up in the oven.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.
- Combine bread crumbs, olive oil, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
A Busy Mom's Secret to Sneaky Healthy Eating: Mac and Cheese, Reimagined
Let's be honest, moms (and anyone else, really) are always looking for quick, easy, and delicious meals. But juggling work, kids, appointments, and everything else life throws our way often leaves little time for elaborate cooking. That's why I've perfected this recipe for Mac and Cheese with Sneaky Sweet Potato – a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. It's so good, even the pickiest eaters won't suspect the sneaky veggie hidden inside!
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my many frantic searches for kid-friendly meals. My youngest, Liam, is notoriously picky; convincing him to eat anything beyond chicken nuggets and fries is a Herculean task. But this mac and cheese? He devoured it. And the best part? I managed to sneak in a whole serving of sweet potato, packed with vitamins and nutrients, without a single complaint. It's a total win-win!
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the smooth, creamy cheese sauce. The secret ingredient? Pureed sweet potato! The sweetness of the sweet potato complements the savory cheese perfectly, creating a subtly sweet and incredibly flavorful sauce. I blend the sweet potato with milk, yogurt, and a touch of salt and pepper to create a base that’s so creamy and smooth, you'd never guess there's a vegetable involved. You'll use a blender to get it super smooth, so make sure you have one handy! It's also important to cook the pasta just right - al dente is the way to go. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy, unpleasant dish. So make sure you follow instructions closely.
Once the sauce is ready, I simply combine it with the cooked macaroni and pour the mixture into a baking dish. For an extra touch of deliciousness, I top the mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This adds a lovely textural contrast and a hint of extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and color! While I use whole wheat macaroni and whole wheat bread crumbs, you can use the kind you prefer. This way, you can adjust the recipe to fit your preferences and dietary needs.
This recipe isn't just for kids either. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. It's adaptable, too. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyere, or even a blend of your favorites would work wonderfully. You can also adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper could add a nice twist.
Tips and Tricks for Mac and Cheese Success:
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta is key to a perfectly textured mac and cheese.
- Use good quality cheese. The flavor of your cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Make it ahead! You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Customize it! Add other vegetables like broccoli florets or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
- Freeze for later: Using two smaller dishes allows for freezing one for future meals, saving time and energy.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this mac and cheese offers a sneaky way to ensure my family is getting a healthy dose of vegetables without the fuss. It’s become a staple in our meal rotation, a testament to the power of simple recipes that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover your own family's new favorite comfort food.
So next time you're short on time but craving a comforting meal, remember this recipe. It's quick, easy, healthy, and guaranteed to please even the most discerning palates. It’s more than just a mac and cheese recipe; it’s a time-saving shortcut to a happy family dinner. Enjoy!
