Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Discover a vibrant and dairy-free twist on the classic comfort food with this Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese. Using natural beet juice for color, this creamy and colorful dish is both fun to make and delicious to eat. It’s perfect for those looking to brighten up their pasta game without artificial dyes.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared dairy-free mac and cheese (such as Daiya’s boxed mac and cheese)
• 1/4 cup beet juice (for natural coloring) or 2-4 drops natural red food coloring

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook your preferred pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, blend your prepared veggies for the sauce. Add beet juice gradually, blending until you reach a vibrant pink color and a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Step 3: Pour the blended pink sauce into a large pot over low heat. Add the drained pasta and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Warm through, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Once heated, serve your dairy-free mac and cheese immediately and enjoy the unique, colorful twist.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a little nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds to the sauce before blending.
• If you prefer a less intense color, start with less beet juice and add more gradually until you reach your desired shade.
• Try adding sautéed garlic or onions to the sauce base for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of plant-based milk to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beets instead of beet juice?

Yes, you can steam and blend fresh beets to make your own beet juice or puree. Just strain the puree to get the juice, then use it in the sauce for natural coloring.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The fun pink color often appeals to kids, and since it’s dairy-free and free of artificial dyes, it’s a healthier choice for picky eaters.

Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

This Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese offers a vibrant twist on the classic comfort food by incorporating beet juice for natural coloring and using a prepared dairy-free mac and cheese base. The creamy, colorful sauce is blended from veggies and gently heated with pasta to create a delicious, dairy-free, and visually striking dish perfect for a unique meal.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 prepared dairy-free mac and cheese (such as Daiya’s boxed mac and cheese)

Sauce

• 1/4 cup beet juice (for natural coloring and no artificial dyes) or 2-4 drops natural red food coloring
• Pre-prepared veggies for the sauce (exact veggies unspecified, blended into sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook your preferred pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Blend the Sauce Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, blend together your pre-prepared veggies for the sauce. Gradually add beet juice, starting with a small amount, until the desired vibrant pink color is achieved. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Transfer the blended pink sauce to a large pot set over low heat. Add the drained pasta to the pot and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta and sauce are well combined and heated, serve immediately while hot. Enjoy the vibrant color and delicious, dairy-free twist on classic mac and cheese.

Notes

• Using beet juice provides natural coloring without artificial dyes.
• Adjust the amount of beet juice or natural red food coloring to achieve your preferred pink shade.
• Cook pasta al dente to keep a pleasant texture after mixing with the sauce.
• Ensure the sauce is evenly warmed with the pasta for the best flavor experience.
• This recipe uses pre-prepared dairy-free mac and cheese for convenience; homemade sauce veggies can be customized as desired.

Keywords: dairy-free mac and cheese, pink mac and cheese, beet juice mac and cheese, vegan comfort food, colorful pasta dish