Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and visually delightful. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and it uses ingredients I already have on hand. The vibrant pink color is eye-catching and fun, and it transforms regular mac and cheese into a conversation-worthy dish. Plus, it’s versatile—I can use a homemade version or a favorite store-bought box.

Ingredients

(Her’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese
I make the mac and cheese according to my recipe or follow the instructions on my favorite store-bought box, leaving out any extras like broccoli.

2. Add the Color
Once the mac and cheese is fully prepared, I stir in 1/4 cup of beet juice or 2–4 drops of natural red food coloring. I mix well until the pasta is evenly coated in a vibrant pink color.

3. Serve and Enjoy
I serve it immediately while warm. The color is bright, playful, and perfect for a fun twist on a classic dish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0–10 minutes depending on the mac and cheese recipe
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I like to experiment with this recipe by:

• Using different natural food colorings like purple carrot juice for a purple mac and cheese.

• Topping with breadcrumbs and baking for 5 minutes for a crunchy finish.

• Mixing in roasted vegetables or shredded dairy-free cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of plant-based milk to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use regular dairy mac and cheese?

Yes, this works perfectly with any mac and cheese recipe or boxed version.

Will beet juice change the taste?

It adds a subtle earthiness but doesn’t overpower the cheesy flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and add the beet juice just before serving to keep the color vibrant.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture and color may change after thawing.

How can I make it even more colorful?

I can use multiple natural food colorings to swirl different colors into the mac and cheese before serving.

Conclusion

Juicy Pink Mac and Cheese is a fun, simple, and visually striking take on a classic comfort food. It’s quick to prepare, playful, and perfect for adding a little color and joy to any meal. Whether I make it for kids or just to brighten my own plate, it’s always a hit.

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