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  • Home / Lunch Box Recipes

    June 12, 2026

    Sneaky Green Mac 'n' Cheese

    The mac 'n' cheese your kids will beg for and you'll feel great about packing.

    Hidden cauliflower and spinach make the sauce beautifully green and secretly nutritious. Packs perfectly in an Oasis, MontiiCo, B.Box or any food jar for a warm, cosy school lunch.

    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 250 grams elbow macaroni (or small pasta shells)
    • 2 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)
    • 2 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoons plain flour
    • 1 cups full cream milk
    • 1 cups grated tasty cheddar cheese
    • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 pinch of cracked black pepper

    Steps

    1. Cook the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen) and cook until completely soft and fork-tender. Scoop out the cauliflower with a slotted spoon and set aside, keep the water boiling for the pasta.
    2. Cook the pasta: Add elbow macaroni (or small pasta shells)to the same pot of boiling water. Cook according to packet directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    3. Blend the green sauce:Add the cooked cauliflower, baby spinach, milk, and salt to a blender. Blitz until completely smooth and vibrant green. (This is the magic moment little ones love watching the sauce turn green!)
    4. Make the cheese base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, and plain flour and stir continuously for 1 minute until a smooth paste forms.
    5. Build the sauce:Pour the blended green mixture into the saucepan with the butter and flour paste. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add tasty cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and stir until completely melted and silky smooth.
    6. Combine and serve:Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with a pinch of cracked black pepper. Serve straight away or for school lunches, spoon into a pre-warmed food jar (just fill it with boiling water for a few minutes first, then tip it out). It stays warm and creamy until lunchtime!

    Jodie's Tips:

    • Make it lunchbox-ready: Spoon into a MontiiCo or B.Box food jar for a warm, fuss-free school lunch. Pre-warm the jar with boiling water for 2–3 minutes before filling.
    • Veg boost: Stir through frozen peas or corn kernels at the end for extra colour and nutrition, they heat through in the warm sauce.
    • Cheese swap: Any good melting cheese works - gruyère, colby, or even a mild mozzarella if your little one prefers a milder flavour.
    • Leftover friendly: Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring the creaminess back.
    • Make it fun: Call it "Monster Mac" or "Hulk Pasta" and let the kids name the colour, they'll be eating spinach before they even realise it! 💚