Baked Mac n’ Cheese

This is a half-from-scratch recipe that uses your favourite box of cheesy noodles.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 boxes noodles and cheese
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables like California mix, thawed
• 2 cups milk or milk alternative
• 2 cups shredded cheese or non-dairy shreds
• ½ cup crushed crackers like soda cracker or breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove chopped or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced into circles
• 2 cups pasta noodles, any type
• Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan.
2. Place the noodles on the bottom of the dish.
3. Top with the frozen vegetables.
4. Optional step: If you like smaller pieces of vegetables, chop the thawed frozen vegetables before adding them to the dish.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the cheese powder pouch, the milk and half of the cheese.
6. Pour into the baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and then the crushed crackers/breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the noodles are soft and the top is golden brown.