Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Discover a vibrant twist on a classic comfort food with this Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese. This dairy-free dish features a creamy sauce tinted naturally with beet juice, creating a fun and colorful meal that’s just as delicious as it looks.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe of dairy-free macaroni and cheese (omit broccoli) or 1 box of your favorite store-bought mac and cheese
- 1/4 cup beet juice from a can or 2-4 drops natural red food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the pasta by cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a blender or food processor, blend your pre-prepared dairy-free cheese sauce ingredients. Add beet juice gradually, blending until you reach a smooth, creamy sauce with your desired pink color.
- Step 3: Transfer the pink sauce to a large pot set over low heat. Add the drained pasta and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Warm through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Serve the mac and cheese hot, enjoying the vibrant color and delicious taste of this unique, dairy-free twist on a favorite dish.
Tips & Variations
- Start with less beet juice and add more as needed to control the intensity of the color and flavor.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of dairy-free milk when warming the sauce and pasta.
- Try adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
- If you prefer a sharper taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover pink mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of dairy-free milk or water to restore creaminess as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite cheese sauce if you’re not avoiding dairy. Just add the beet juice to the cheese sauce to achieve the pink color.
Will the beet juice change the flavor of the mac and cheese?
Beet juice adds a subtle earthiness, but it generally blends well with the creamy sauce and doesn’t overpower the dish.
PrintJuicy Pink Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese recipe is a vibrant and dairy-free twist on the classic comfort food, using beet juice to create a stunning pink sauce. It combines creamy, plant-based goodness with perfectly cooked pasta for a visually striking and delicious meal that’s both nourishing and fun to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 1 recipe of dairy-free macaroni and cheese (leave out the broccoli) or 1 box of your favorite store-bought mac and cheese
Coloring and Flavor Enhancer
- 1/4 cup beet juice from a can or 2–4 drops natural red food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by cooking your preferred pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook until al dente to maintain a pleasant texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Blend the Sauce Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, blend together your pre-prepared veggies for the sauce (from the dairy-free mac and cheese base). Add beet juice gradually to incorporate a vibrant pink color, starting with a small amount and increasing to achieve your desired shade. Blend everything until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Transfer the blended pink sauce to a large pot over low heat. Add the drained pasta and gently stir until evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to warm the dish gently, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta and sauce are fully combined and heated, serve the dairy-free mac and cheese hot. Enjoy this unique and colorful twist on a classic comfort dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of beet juice depending on how vibrant you want the pink color to be.
- Using beet juice not only adds color but also a slight earthy sweetness that complements the cheese sauce.
- For an even creamier texture, add a splash of plant-based milk while warming the sauce.
- This recipe is dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Keywords: dairy-free mac and cheese, pink mac and cheese, beet juice recipe, vegan mac and cheese, colorful pasta dish
