Print

Wholesome Thermos Mac and Cheese Recipe with Hidden Veggie Purée Easy and Delicious

thermos mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting mac and cheese recipe with a hidden veggie purée of spinach and cauliflower, designed to stay warm and creamy in a thermos for hours. Perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 225 g)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (packed), steamed
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets, steamed
  • 2–3 tablespoons water or reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml), room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 170 g)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (about 55 g)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 teaspoon melted butter
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, steam 1 cup fresh spinach and 1 cup cauliflower florets until tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer steamed spinach and cauliflower to a blender or food processor. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or reserved pasta water to help blend. Purée until smooth and silky. Add more water if needed to keep creamy but not runny.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook, whisking often, until sauce thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the hidden veggie purée until fully incorporated. Add 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup shredded mozzarella. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  7. Season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  8. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if mixture is too thick.
  9. Preheat thermos by filling with boiling water for 5 minutes, then empty. Transfer mac and cheese into warm thermos, seal tightly, and serve.

Notes

Preheat the thermos to keep mac and cheese warm for 4-6 hours. Use whole milk for a richer sauce. Cook pasta al dente to prevent over-softening in the thermos. Blend veggies very smooth to avoid gritty texture. Don’t rush the roux step for a smooth sauce. For reheating at home, add panko breadcrumbs and broil for a crunchy topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, thermos lunch, hidden veggies, spinach, cauliflower, comfort food, easy recipe, kid-friendly, creamy cheese sauce

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/wholesome-thermos-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-hidden-veggie-pur-e-e-easy-and-delicious/