Master Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Let’s be honest: Mac and cheese is a universal love language. It’s the dish that brings us back to childhood, the ultimate comfort food, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. But sometimes, we want to sneak in a little bit of healthy with our indulgence. Enter: Mac and Cheese with Broccoli!

This recipe isn’t just about throwing some broccoli florets into a box of mac and cheese. We’re talking about a homemade cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender-crisp broccoli that’s integrated seamlessly into the dish. We’re going to elevate this classic to a whole new level of deliciousness, while still keeping it incredibly easy to make.

This article will guide you through every step, from choosing the right ingredients to creating the perfect creamy, cheesy sauce. We’ll also cover variations, tips for making it extra kid-friendly, and even how to store leftovers (if there are any!). So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why This Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Recipe is the BEST

• Homemade Cheese Sauce: Forget the powdered stuff! We’re making a rich, creamy cheese sauce from scratch. It’s surprisingly easy and makes all the difference.
• Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: No mushy broccoli here! We’ll show you how to cook the broccoli so it’s tender-crisp and retains its vibrant green color.
• Customizable: Want to use different cheeses? Add some spice? This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences.
• Kid-Approved (with a few tricks!): We’ll share some tips for making this dish a hit even with picky eaters.
• Comfort Food Perfection: This is the ultimate comfort food meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any time you need a cheesy, satisfying hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Mac and Cheese with Broccoli:

• Pasta:
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta shape, like shells, rotini, or cavatappi)
• Broccoli:
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• Cheese Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% work best)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds great flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, but recommended)
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a subtle warmth)
  • 4 cups shredded cheese (see cheese recommendations below)
• Optional Toppings:
  • Breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs are great for extra crunch)
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • Cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Choosing the Right Cheese

The cheese is the star of the show, so choosing the right blend is crucial! Here are some excellent options:

• Sharp Cheddar: A classic choice for a reason! It provides a strong, tangy flavor.
• Medium Cheddar: A milder option that’s still flavorful and melts well.
• Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor.
• Pepper Jack: Adds a kick of spice!
• Gruyere: A nutty, complex flavor that adds a gourmet touch.
• Fontina: Creamy and melts incredibly well.
• Mozzarella: Adds a nice stretch and mild flavor.

For the best results, I recommend a combination of cheeses. Here are a few winning combinations:

• Classic: 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Monterey Jack, 1 cup medium cheddar
• Gourmet: 2 cups Gruyere, 1 cup Fontina, 1 cup sharp cheddar
• Spicy: 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Pepper Jack, 1 cup Monterey Jack

Important Note: Always use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to making this delicious Mac and Cheese with Broccoli:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. (Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – it should be firm to the bite, not mushy.)
3. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta! The starchy water left on the pasta will help the cheese sauce adhere.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

There are a few ways to cook the broccoli:

• Steaming: This is my preferred method. Steam the broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and bright green. You can use a steamer basket or simply add a little water to a pot, bring it to a boil, add the broccoli, cover, and steam.
• Boiling: You can also boil the broccoli in the same pot you used for the pasta (after draining the pasta, of course!). Boil for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
• Roasting: For a more intense flavor, you can roast the broccoli. Toss the florets with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux). Don’t let it brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Continue to whisk constantly until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low.
6. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (if using).
7. Add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth before adding more.
8. Once all the cheese is melted, remove the sauce from the heat.

Step 4: Combine Everything!

1. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce.
2. Stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

You can serve the Mac and Cheese with Broccoli immediately, or you can transfer it to a baking dish for a baked version:

• For a Baked Version:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese (if desired).
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Tips for Making Kid-Friendly Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

• Broccoli Size: Chop the broccoli into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This makes it less intimidating for picky eaters.
• Cheese Choice: Use a milder cheese blend, like medium cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Broccoli Integration: Instead of large florets, try finely chopping the broccoli and stirring it into the cheese sauce. It will blend in more seamlessly.
• Fun Shapes: Use fun pasta shapes, like shells or wheels.
• Get them Involved: Let your kids help with age-appropriate tasks, like shredding the cheese (with supervision) or stirring the sauce.
• Dip it! Serve the broccoli on the side with a small bowl of the cheese sauce for dipping.

Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Variations

• Spicy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Use Pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Bacon Mac and Cheese with Broccoli: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon.
• Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter when making the roux. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
• Vegetable Medley Mac and Cheese: Add other vegetables, like carrots, peas, or cauliflower, along with the broccoli.
• Protein Power Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Add some grilled chicken, shrimp or any other protein.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mac and Cheese with Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Oven: Reheat in a baking dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Mac and Cheese with Broccoli (FAQ)

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese with Broccoli recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor. The addition of broccoli adds a healthy touch and a delicious textural contrast. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the boxed stuff and experience the magic of homemade mac and cheese! Enjoy!

Recipe Card

Master Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

The ultimate comfort food! This creamy, dreamy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli recipe is easy to make and even picky eaters will love it. Homemade cheese sauce, perfectly cooked broccoli, and customizable options.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

• 4 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere)

Directions

• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside
• Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (if using).
• Add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
• Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly (optional).