5 Recipes for Mac and Cheese That are Pregnancy Safe and Toddler Approved

Pregnancy is an essential time for a developing baby. To grow, the unborn baby requires nourishment from the mother. As the baby matures, the mother must replenish the nutrients taken from her body to help her baby grow. To ensure the health of the mother and her baby, eating a balanced diet is essential. Of the many foods we consume, mac and cheese has always been a staple meal for the whole family. It’s creamy, cheesy, and well, delicious. Best of all, the recipe can be modified into a healthier meal. These five mac and cheese recipes are great for mothers and can be consumed by your little ones once they become toddlers.

Mac and Cheese Recipes

5-Minute Macaroni and Cheese

Aside from prepping the noodles, this recipe takes five minutes to complete. You’ll need:

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Whole milk
• Salt and black pepper

Add your cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, salt and ground black pepper into a microwave-safe bowl. After stirring the ingredients together, cover your bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave your mixture for three minutes.

Remove it from the microwave and stir thoroughly before microwaving for another two minutes. Remove your bowl from the microwave and stir until smooth. Serve once your meal is cool enough to enjoy.

Veggie Mac

Veggie mac is macaroni and cheese with a healthy twist. Pregnant mothers need nutrient-rich diets, and this recipe minimizes the risk of heart disease and gestational diabetes. You’ll need:

• Whole wheat macaroni
• Olive oil
• Baby spinach
• Nonfat milk
• Broccoli
• Bell pepper
• White onion
• Cheddar cheese
• Flour

Start by preheating your oven. Cook your pasta and once drained, set it aside. Heat your olive oil and cook your vegetables on medium heat for five minutes. Save your spinach for the end. Add milk and let your mixture simmer before gradually adding flour.

Stir and allow your mixture to simmer. Mix your pasta, cheese and vegetable mixture before adding the spinach. Once the spinach wilts, pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Once bubbly, remove from the oven and cool.

Zucchini Noodle Mac and Cheese

This recipe has all of the traditional creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with vegetable noodles. Pregnant mothers desiring to minimize carb intake and toddlers alike will enjoy this amazing meal. You’ll need:

• Zucchini noodles
• Salt
• Cream
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

As you preheat your oven, salt your zucchini noodles to remove excess moisture. While your noodles rest, melt cream, butter and cream cheese in a heated pan. Add your grated cheddar cheese to the mixture before adding to a baking pan. Top with parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool before serving.

Vegan Mac and Cheese

If your pregnancy creates an intolerance to dairy, this recipe allows you to still enjoy this classic dish. You’ll need:

• Noodles
• Nutritional yeast
• Vegan cheese shreds
• Dairy-free milk
• Unsweetened vegan yogurt

As your noodles boil, you’re going to make a vegan roux. Start by melting your vegan butter in a pan. Incrementally stir in flour to dissolve the liquid. Begin stirring in milk until smooth. Add your vegan cheese, yogurt and other seasonings.

Once your cheese melts and the sauce thickens, add salt and pepper followed by your noodles. Thoroughly mix your ingredients and enjoy. When reheating, add dairy-free milk for moisture.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

If zucchini isn’t your favorite vegetable, try this five-ingredient butternut squash recipe. You’ll need:

• Peeled and cubed butternut squash
• Milk
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Pasta

Boil a large pot of water and cook squash until soft. Remove them from water and blend squash, butter, milk and cheese into a purée. Bring your water to a boil again and cook your pasta. Once drained, combine your cheese and noodles. Add your seasonings, let cool, and serve.

Pregnancy involves nurturing and delivering a human life. Between the late nights, frequent bathroom breaks and morning sickness, you at least deserve mac and cheese. These recipes are kid friendly and add a nutritious flare to the traditional dish. To avoid sickness, be sure to use pasteurized milk.