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Pink Macaroni and Cheese with Beet Infusion

A close-up of bright Pink Macaroni and Cheese made with fusilli pasta coated in a vivid magenta sauce.
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A recipe for classic macaroni and cheese naturally colored a vibrant pink using cooked beets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cooked, peeled beets (pureed)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the beet puree: Steam or boil the beets until tender. Blend them in a food processor until completely smooth. Measure out 1 cup of this puree.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Stir the 1 cup of beet puree into the cheese sauce until the color is uniform and pink.
  8. Add the cooked, drained macaroni to the pink cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best color and mildest flavor, use golden beets if available, though red beets provide a deeper pink hue.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the beets, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/pink-macaroni-and-cheese-beet-infused/