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Better Bowl: 3 Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese Glow-Ups

Here's a versatile and delicious recipe using Annie’s Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese, plus three easy, healthy upgrades depending on your goals: more fiber, more nutrients, or more protein in your bowl.


Serves: 2

Total Time: 15 - 20 minutes


Base Ingredients:

  • 1 box Annie's Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Follow the box instructions to prepare the pasta and cheese sauce, then choose your glow-up below!


  1. Hidden Veggie-Packed Mac (Fiber + Vitamins)

Add to pot with cooking pasta:

  • 1/2 cup cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)

  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots (fresh or frozen)


Instructions:

  1. Toss cauliflower and carrots into boiling pasta water for the last 3-4 minutes.

  2. Prepare mac & cheese as usual.

  3. Stir in the mashed cooked veggies at the end. Serve hot.


Why it works: Adds fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and keeps things colourful and satisfying.


Tip: Blitz the cooked veggies in a blender and stir into the cheese sauce to make them invisible to picky eaters.


  1. Upgraded Sauce (Healthy Fats + Nutrients)

Stir in any or a combination of these options:

  • 1-2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado

  • 1 tsp ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or nutritional yeast

  • A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of turmeric


Instructions:

  1. After adding the cheese powder and milk, stir in yogurt or avocado for creaminess.

  2. Mix in seeds or nutritional boosters.

  3. Taste and season as needed.


Why it works: Adds gut-friendly probiotics (yogurt), omega-3s (flax/chia), and a richer texture without needing extra butter or cream.


  1. Protein-Boosted Mac (Balance + Fullness)

Add:

  • 3 oz cooked lean protein such as:

    • Grilled chicken breast

    • Canned tuna or salmon

    • Scrambled or poached egg on top


Instructions:

  1. While pasta cooks, prep your protein.

  2. Stir protein into the finished mac & cheese or pile it on top.

  3. Season with herbs or spices for flavour.


Why it works: Adds staying power and turns it into a complete meal.

 
 
 

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