Picture the creamy, cheesy goodness of Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, with tender pasta and vibrant broccoli nestled beneath a golden breadcrumb crust.
This comforting classic is a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect indulgent meal for any weeknight.
As the cheese melts into the sauce and the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll witness a delightful transformation of simple ingredients into a cozy favorite.
Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Colander
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Measure out 2 cups of elbow macaroni.
- Measure 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cut 2 cups of broccoli florets.
- Measure 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- Measure 2 cups of whole milk and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Measure 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Measure 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs.
- Cooking Pasta and Broccoli (10 minutes):
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt (1 minute).
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (7 minutes).
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot (3 minutes).
- Drain the macaroni and broccoli using a colander and set aside (1 minute).
- Making Cheese Sauce (8 minutes):
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat (1 minute).
- Whisk in flour and cook until smooth (1 minute).
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened (3 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until melted (3 minutes).
- Assembling and Baking (12 minutes):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and combine cheese sauce with drained macaroni and broccoli in a baking dish (2 minutes).
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top (1 minute).
- Bake in preheated oven until golden brown (10 minutes).
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Let the dish rest before serving to set and cool slightly.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions.
In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
Drain the macaroni and broccoli using a colander and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until the cheese is melted.
Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni and broccoli in a baking dish.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside for added protein and to make the meal more filling.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and nutrients to the meal.
- Pickles: The tanginess cuts through the creaminess, providing a revitalizing contrast.
Storage
To store Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Freezing
To freeze Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, cool completely.
Portion into airtight containers, and freeze.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, use an oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals. Stir occasionally to maintain creaminess without drying out.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together the creaminess of cheese with the vibrant flavor of broccoli.
It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, combining familiar ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
By adding broccoli to the macaroni, you incorporate a nutritious vegetable seamlessly into a classic favorite.
The dish is easy to prepare and can be on your table in just under an hour, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to achieve your preferred taste.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick.
Lastly, consider serving this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
You can use gluten-free pasta for this recipe. Make certain the pasta’s cooking time matches the package instructions. Adjust the flour in the cheese sauce to a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour for consistency.
Is It Possible to Substitute Almond Milk for Whole Milk?
You can substitute almond milk for whole milk using a 1:1 ratio. The sauce may be slightly thinner, so cook it longer to thicken. Make sure almond milk is unsweetened to maintain the dish’s savory flavor profile.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs for a Gluten-Free Option?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Guarantee even distribution by spreading 1/4 cup over the dish. Toast the substitute in a skillet with 1 tablespoon butter for extra crispiness.
Can I Add Cooked Chicken to Make It a Complete Meal?
You can add cooked chicken to improve protein content. Dice 1 cup of cooked chicken and mix it in with the pasta before baking. Guarantee even distribution for consistent flavor throughout. Adjust seasoning to complement the dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for heat. Alternatively, incorporate 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños during step 5 for a spicier kick. Adjust to taste.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 colander
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cup elbow macaroni
- 4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup whole milk
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- Drain the macaroni and broccoli using a colander and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until the cheese is melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni and broccoli in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
