Health Information Library

Macaroni and cheese

February 26, 2019
Recipe

This version of macaroni and cheese gets its creamy texture and full flavor from pureed vegetables.

Serves 6

The pureed vegetables in this recipe replace some of the fat, boost flavor and create a creamy texture.


Add oil to a large skillet, and over medium-low heat slowly cook onion, celery, carrot, garlic, cauliflower and squash. Continue cooking until onion become translucent. Add broth and bring to boil.

Use a blender to puree vegetable mixture until completely smooth. Blend in batches. Be careful with the hot vegetables and make sure to not overfill the blender. Return to skillet and simmer.

In a separate large skillet, combine soy milk and flour. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Add hot vegetable puree, whisking constantly with wire whip. Bring to a simmer.

Add Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Turn off heat and stir until cheese is melted.

Cook macaroni according to directions on package. Drain and combine with sauce. Serve.


  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 rib celery, diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 carrot, diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped raw cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow squash
  • 1/2 cup diced butternut squash
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons light soy milk
  • 2 tablespoons wheat flour
  • 2 ounces (about 2/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12 ounces whole-wheat macaroni

DASH Eating Plan Servings

1 Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fats and oils Fruits 2 Grains and grain products Meats, poultry and fish Nuts, seeds and dry beans Sweets 4 Vegetables

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

Fats Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fruits 1 Meat and meat substitutes Milk and milk products 4 Nonstarchy vegetables 2 Starches Sweets, desserts and other carbohydrates

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

2 Carbohydrates Fats Fruits 2 Protein and dairy Sweets 3 Vegetables

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calcium 422 Calories 52 g Total carbohydrate 38 mg Cholesterol 6 g Dietary fiber 4 g Monounsaturated fat Potassium 22 g Protein 8 g Saturated fat About 1 cup Serving size 380 mg Sodium 14 g Total fat