Carroty Mac and Cheese

A healthier twist on classic mac and cheese featuring whole wheat pasta and sweet grated carrots, topped with a golden crust of cheddar and parmesan cheese. Perfect comfort food with hidden vegetables.

6 servings

1 hr

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•2 cups whole wheat macaroni
•2½ cups coarsely grated carrot
•3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
•¼ cup unsalted butter
•¾ cup sour cream
•¼ cup whole milk
•2 large eggs
•1 teaspoon kosher salt
•¾ teaspoon mustard powder
•¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1.
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven.
5 min
2.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water; add carrot 3 minutes before pasta is finished cooking; drain well.
15 min
3.
3. While pasta is hot, stir in all but 1/2 cup of the cheddar and the butter. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and pepper. Fold mixture into the pasta.
10 min
4.
4. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the parmesan over the top. Bake until the casserole is firm to the touch and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
30 min

Ingredients

•2 cups whole wheat macaroni

•2½ cups coarsely grated carrot

•3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

•¼ cup unsalted butter

•¾ cup sour cream

•¼ cup whole milk

•2 large eggs

•1 teaspoon kosher salt

•¾ teaspoon mustard powder

•¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

•¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven.

5 min

2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water; add carrot 3 minutes before pasta is finished cooking; drain well.

15 min

3. While pasta is hot, stir in all but 1/2 cup of the cheddar and the butter. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and pepper. Fold mixture into the pasta.

10 min

4. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the parmesan over the top. Bake until the casserole is firm to the touch and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

30 min