Oh my goodness, there’s just something about *broccoli mac and cheese* that wraps you up in a warm, cheesy hug! This dish is my ultimate comfort food—creamy, dreamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds! The kids were gobbling it up, and even the adults couldn’t resist. It’s such a simple recipe, but it brings everyone together and makes the kitchen feel like home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your house too!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious *broccoli mac and cheese*. It’s super straightforward!
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is key for that vibrant color and crunch; make sure they’re bite-sized!
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Go for the sharp variety for a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely umami kick and extra creaminess.
- 3 cups milk: Whole milk works best for a rich, creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice base for our sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken our cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning; adjust to taste!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch to add a bit of warmth.
How to Prepare *Broccoli Mac and Cheese*
Alright, let’s dive into making this dreamy *broccoli mac and cheese*! It’s super easy and oh-so-delicious.
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 7-8 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Now, here’s the trick: add the 2 cups of broccoli florets into the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll be bright green and tender, perfectly complementing our cheesy goodness!
Making the Cheese Sauce
While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, let’s whip up that luscious cheese sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to create a roux. Cook this for about a minute until it’s bubbling. Gradually pour in the 3 cups of milk, whisking continuously until it’s smooth and creamy. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens up nicely—yum! Now, remove it from the heat and stir in the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and heavenly.
Combining Ingredients
Once your pasta and broccoli are ready, drain them and return them to the pot. Pour in that glorious cheese sauce and gently mix everything together until every noodle and floret is coated in cheesy goodness. Oh wow, it’s looking delicious already! Serve it warm, and get ready for everyone to fall in love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for this creamy *broccoli mac and cheese*. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 43g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips for Success
To make your *broccoli mac and cheese* truly shine, always use fresh ingredients—trust me, it makes a world of difference! For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking; it gives a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. Also, don’t skimp on the cheese; quality cheese makes all the difference in achieving that rich, melty goodness. And remember, if you like it extra cheesy, feel free to toss in a bit more cheddar. You can’t go wrong!
Variations
One of the best things about *broccoli mac and cheese* is how easily it can be customized! Feel free to get creative—try adding other veggies like chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even sweet peas for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re a cheese lover, mix it up by using gouda, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bold twist. You can also experiment with spices, like a hint of paprika or cayenne for a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store your *broccoli mac and cheese* in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk while reheating to bring back that creamy texture. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and cheesy, delivering a comforting flavor that everyone loves.
- Packed with nutrition from fresh broccoli, making it a wholesome choice.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and veggies for endless variations.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, satisfying both kids and adults alike!
For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Broccoli Mac and Cheese: 5 Steps to Cheesy Happiness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with broccoli.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Add broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Drain macaroni and broccoli.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and broccoli.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best flavor.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta
