How to Make Healthier Macaroni & Cheese With Hidden Vegetables! Pasta Side Dishes

Every kid (and most adults) love macaroni and cheese. My kids are growing up on a homemade version (and lots of it) of the "blue box." 

You'll need:

• whole wheat noodles
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 onion diced (my kids prefer no onions)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup pureed squash
• 1/2 cup pureed zucchini, cauliflower or carrots (light or orange colored vegetables hide nicely in the cheese sauce!)

Here's how to make it:

1. Cook noodles as directed on package.
2. In a separate pan or skillet, melt butter and add onion, cooking until soft. Add flour and mix into melted butter.
3. Slowly pour in milk and stir often as milk heats up and flour dissolves.
4. Add cheddar cheese and pureed vegetables, stirring until mix comes to a boil.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken. If too thick add more milk.