Veggie Mac and Cheese

By Jen Paleracio | March 26, 2020

I used the basic recipe for Mac and Cheese and just added fresh broccoli and bell peppers. If you’re serving this to kids – just use a pinch of black pepper instead of red chili pepper flakes.

Let’s get cooking!

Recipe for the veggies

8 oz. uncooked macaroni, cook them according to package instructions

2 cups broccoli florets

1 bell pepper, small diced

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

  • Heat the pan with oil, sauté the veggies. Cover and steam for 1 minute. When the veggies are tender but not over cooked, remove from the heat and set aside.

Recipe for the Mac and Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup flour

2 cups almond milk

1 cup Pepper Jack cheese

1 cup Colby Jack cheese

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, for topping

1/4 cup Panko breading, for topping

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then make the roux by heating the pan with oil, melt the butter, then add the flour. When the roux thickens add the milk.
  • Add the cheeses, constantly stirring until melted.
  • Add the macaroni, stir to combine, add the veggie and constantly stir to combine all ingredients well.
  • Transfer to a baking pan (9×13). Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Panko breading. Bake for 3-4 minutes or until cheeses are melted.

Everyday Italian Cooking Class

If you sign up for the class before June 15 you’ll receive my Simple Meals e-cookbook with 50 recipes including delicious snacks for FREE.

Learn more

In this class you’ll learn how to prepare and cook simple but incredibly delicious dinners. We’ll make an everyday Italian dishes. These are not your ordinary pasta or chicken dish. Don’t worry these are easy recipes. You’ll learn how to make Lobster Fra Diavolo, Chicken all’ Arrabbiata, and for dessert we’ll make Cannoli. 
Posted in Mains, Recipes