Green Mac N’ Cheese Without Food Coloring

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
Published: March 4, 2020Updated: July 26, 2021Author: Elyse Ellis
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Green Mac N’ Cheese Without Food Coloring

We love having a festive St. Patrick’s Day dinner with all green food but I didn’t want to use a lot of food coloring.  This Green Mac n’ Cheese is made without food coloring and is filled with all kinds of veggies so you don’t have to feel guilty about feeding it to your kids!

Serves: 8

Green Mac N’ Cheese Without Food Coloring Recipe

Delicious homemade mac n' cheese filled with vegetables to make the perfect St. Patrick's Day dish!
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Print

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup water
  • 4 cups grated white cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 cup peas

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.
  • Place the milk and spinach in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in flour for 2-3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and whisk occasionally for 3-4 minutes until mixture starts to thicken.
  • Add 1/2 cup water and cheese and whisk until melted.
  • Stir in the pasta, broccoli and peas.
  • Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling.

Nutrition

Calories: 565 kcal · Carbohydrates: 54 g · Protein: 26 g · Fat: 27 g · Saturated Fat: 17 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 80 mg · Sodium: 443 mg · Potassium: 444 mg · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 8 g · Vitamin A: 1478 IU · Vitamin C: 29 mg · Calcium: 544 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Equipment

  • blender
  • Large Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Leave a Review!

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or review here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*.

Rate This Recipe!




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Sarah says:
    February 4, 2018
    I'm making this for the super bowl tonight to root on the Eagles!
    Reply
  2. Emily says:
    March 16, 2018
    Frozen peas and cold broccoli or cooked peas and steamed broccoli?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 16, 2018
      We used frozen peas and fresh broccoli uncooked. We peas were slightly thawed. But with 20 minutes of baking time the veggies should cook through.
      Reply
  3. kaylee says:
    March 17, 2018
    Could you make this in advance or should it be prepped and cooked at the same time?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 20, 2018
      You could make in advance and stick in the fridge until ready to cook. But it may take a little more time after having been chilled in the fridge.
      Reply
  4. Sandy says:
    January 11, 2019
    I’m planning on making this a day ahead...thoughts on wether to mix and chill the day before, then bake the day of serving or mix and bake the day before, then rewarm... Also, cook the spinach before blending with the milk or no?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 16, 2019
      I would prepare the recipe and place in the fridge instead of baking. Then stick in the oven when ready to heat.
      Reply
  5. Amanda says:
    March 6, 2019
    Fresh spinach or frozen?
    Reply
  6. DD says:
    March 16, 2020
    Will it look bad if I use yellow cheddar instead of white cheddar?
    Reply
    • Elisha says:
      March 17, 2020
      Did you try it?! :)
      Reply
    • Mandi G says:
      March 17, 2020
      I just made this using marble cheese. It’s still green. I did add a little bit extra spinach.
      Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 18, 2020
      It should work fine!
      Reply
  7. Elisha says:
    March 17, 2020
    I also need to know if it will turn out if I use yellow cheddar. I don't have any white? Does anyone know? Thanks! Happy St. Patty's Day!
    Reply
BuzzFeedElleGlamourHuffington PostParentingTaste of HomeToday Show