Roasted Veggie Mac & Cheese (Printer Friendly)

Tender macaroni tossed in creamy cheese sauce with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni

→ Roasted Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 zucchini, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup broccoli florets
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 - ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 - ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 - ½ teaspoon mustard powder
17 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
02 - Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, approximately 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in mustard powder and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper.
05 - Add cooked macaroni and roasted vegetables to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

# Pro Advice:

01 -
  • It turns a childhood favorite into something you can serve to adults without apology.
  • The roasted vegetables add natural sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese.
  • You can prep the veggies ahead and just toss everything together when hunger hits.
  • It satisfies picky eaters and veggie lovers at the same table.
02 -
  • Do not rinse the pasta after draining, the starch helps the cheese sauce cling to every piece.
  • Roast the vegetables in a single layer or they will steam and turn soggy instead of caramelizing.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese, pre shredded varieties contain anti caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up.
03 -
  • Roast your vegetables a day ahead and store them in the fridge, it cuts your active cooking time in half.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle depth that nobody can quite place.
  • If you want extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for complexity, but always include a sharp cheddar for that classic mac and cheese flavor.
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