Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese

Let’s talk about pink mac and cheese, because who doesn’t love a fun twist on a classic comfort food? My kids’ eyes light up whenever I bring this to the table – there’s something about that rosy color that just makes dinner more exciting. I started making this recipe when my daughter went through her “everything must be pink” phase, and honestly, it stuck around long after that phase ended.

What I love most about this dish is that it’s still the same cozy, cheesy goodness we all grew up with, just with a playful pink makeover. It’s perfect for birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, or really any time you want to add a smile to someone’s face. And the best part? It’s just as easy to make as regular mac and cheese – no fancy techniques required.

Whether you’re trying to make dinner more fun for picky eaters or just want to shake things up in the kitchen, this pink mac and cheese might be exactly what you’re looking for. Trust me, once you serve this at the table, everyone will want to know your secret.

What Kind of Beet Juice Should I Use?

The easiest option for this recipe is to use the liquid from a can of sliced or whole beets, which you can find in the canned vegetable aisle at most grocery stores. If you’re using canned beets, make sure to use the juice from plain beets rather than pickled or seasoned varieties to avoid any unwanted flavors in your mac and cheese. You can also make your own beet juice by boiling fresh beets in water and using the cooled cooking liquid, though the canned juice is much more convenient. Just remember that a little goes a long way – start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve your desired pink color.

Options for Substitutions

Looking to make this fun pink mac and cheese? Here are some helpful substitution tips:

• Beet juice: If you don’t have canned beet juice, you can make your own by blending 1 small cooked beet with 2 tablespoons of water and straining it. You can also use dragon fruit powder (start with 1 teaspoon) or natural pink pitaya powder for the pink color.
• Dairy-free mac and cheese: Feel free to use any mac and cheese base you like – whether it’s homemade or store-bought, dairy-free or regular. Just make sure it’s a basic version without add-ins like vegetables or extra seasonings that might affect the final color.
• Natural red food coloring: Besides beet juice, you can try using strawberry powder, raspberry powder, or even a small amount of pink hibiscus tea (reduced to a concentrate) to achieve that pink shade. Start with small amounts and add more until you reach your desired color.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making pink mac and cheese is getting the right shade of pink without making the dish too watery – adding too much beet juice can throw off the consistency of your cheese sauce, so start with just a small amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired color.

Temperature control is crucial here – if you’re using beet juice, add it after removing the mac and cheese from heat, as prolonged cooking can dull the vibrant pink color and potentially separate the sauce.

When reheating leftovers, add a splash of plant-based milk or water and stir frequently to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or grainy, and avoid microwaving on high power which can make the sauce separate.

For the creamiest results, stir the coloring agent into your cheese sauce before combining with the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of color throughout the dish.

What to Serve With Pink Mac and Cheese?

This fun and playful pink mac and cheese calls for some simple sides that won’t compete with its Instagram-worthy color! A side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or peas adds a nice color contrast and brings some nutrition to the plate. Since this is such a kid-friendly dish, you might want to include some crunchy raw veggie sticks like carrots and celery for dipping in ranch dressing. For protein, try adding some simple grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits either on the side or mixed right into the pasta.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This pink mac and cheese stays good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. The color might deepen a bit over time, but that’s totally normal and doesn’t affect the taste at all!

Reheat: When you’re ready for another serving, warm it up in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. Add a splash of plant-based milk if it seems a bit dry. You can also heat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.

Make Ahead: You can prepare this fun pink dish a day ahead if you’re planning for a special occasion. Just keep in mind that pasta tends to absorb sauce as it sits, so you might want to make it a tiny bit saucier than usual if you’re not serving it right away.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-20 minutes
Total Time	20-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 400-600
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 10-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 70-80 g

Ingredients

• 1 recipe of dairy-free macaroni and cheese (leave out the broccoli) or 1 box of your favorite store-bought mac and cheese*
• 1/4 cup beet juice from a can or 2-4 drops natural red food coloring

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your preferred pasta according to the package instructions.

Make sure to cook until al dente to maintain a pleasant texture.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, you’ll blend together your pre-prepared veggies for the sauce.

Into this mixture, add beet juice to incorporate a vibrant pink color.

Start with a small amount of beet juice and gradually add more until you achieve your desired shade of pink.

Blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Pasta

Transfer the blended pink sauce to a large pot over low heat.

Add the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce and gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Continue to gently warm the dish, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pasta and sauce are thoroughly combined and heated, serve your dairy-free mac ‘n’ cheese while hot.

The vibrant color and delicious taste make for a delightful meal.

Enjoy the unique twist on a classic dish!