12 Sneaky Ways to Hide Veggies Your Family Won't Notice

This article was written with AI assistance.

We all know the struggle of trying to get our families (especially the picky eaters) to eat more vegetables without the drama. But the good news is, there are plenty of clever ways to sneak veggies into everyday meals without anyone batting an eye. Whether you're dealing with kids or adults who aren't fans of veggies, these tips will help you boost the nutrition in your meals without complaints!

Strawberry Spinach SmoothiePhoto byLittle Bit Recipes

Blend Veggies into Smoothies

Smoothies are a perfect hiding spot for greens like spinach or kale. The natural sweetness from fruits like bananas and berries will mask the earthy taste of the veggies, making it an easy win. Start small and work your way up to packing more greens in!

Puree Veggies into Sauces

Tomato sauce is your best friend when it comes to sneaky veggies. Carrots, zucchini, and even spinach can be pureed and added to marinara or pizza sauce without anyone noticing. Bonus: it adds a richer flavor!

Grate Veggies into Ground Meat

When making burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf, grate carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms into the ground meat. These veggies not only blend right in but also help keep the meat tender and juicy.

Garlic Mashed Red PotatoesPhoto byLittle Bit Recipes

Add Cauliflower to Mashed Potatoes

Swap out a portion of the potatoes for cauliflower in your mashed potato recipe. Once it’s all mashed together, no one will even notice the difference, and you'll cut down on carbs while sneaking in some extra nutrients.

Stir Sweet Potatoes into Pancake Batter

Pureed sweet potatoes add a boost of nutrients and natural sweetness to pancake batter. The flavor pairs well with cinnamon and maple syrup, making them perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Add Butternut Squash to Cheese Sauce

Butternut squash can be roasted and pureed into a creamy cheese sauce for pasta or casseroles. Its natural sweetness and smooth texture blend well, making it a perfect veggie sneak-in for cheesy dishes.

Slow Cooker Mac and CheesePhoto byLittle Bit Recipes

Puree Carrots into Mac and Cheese

Adding pureed carrots to homemade mac and cheese gives it a similar creamy texture and color, making it easy to hide. The sweetness of the carrots complements the cheese, so it won't change the flavor much.

Hide Veggies in Stuffed Pasta

Puree or finely chop vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots and mix them into the ricotta filling for stuffed pasta dishes. When combined with cheese and baked in marinara sauce, the veggies will be completely undetectable.

Grate Veggies into Casseroles

Casseroles are great for hiding veggies like carrots, zucchini, and squash. Grate them into dishes like lasagna, shepherd’s pie, or baked ziti. The cheeses and sauces will cover up the veggies, and the casserole will taste just like normal.

Biscoff Cream Cheese MuffinPhoto byLittle Bit Recipes

Bake Veggies into Muffins or Bread

Grated zucchini can be added to muffins, cakes, and brownies without altering the flavor. Zucchini has a high water content, which keeps baked goods moist, and it becomes practically invisible once baked.

Add Pumpkin Puree to Chili

Pumpkin or butternut squash puree can be added to chili for a smooth texture and slight sweetness. The other bold flavors of chili such as spices, beans, and meat will mask the presence of the veggies, and your family won't even know it’s there.

Use Sweet Potatoes in Brownies

Sweet potatoes or black beans in brownies may sound strange, but they work wonders. They add a fudgy texture while packing in fiber and vitamins. Trust me. No one will suspect they’re eating veggies for dessert!