Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Name: Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Author: Tessa

Published: August 4, 2025

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Broccoli Mac and Cheese has been a staple in my kitchen for years, especially on those busy weeknights when I need something comforting and wholesome. There’s just something magical about how this dish brings smiles to everyone’s faces, even the pickiest eaters! It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without anyone complaining, and trust me, the creamy, cheesy goodness makes it utterly irresistible. Making this classic comfort food doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just a little love and a few simple steps to create a truly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! You’ll adore it because it’s incredibly:

Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under an hour.
Family-Friendly: Even veggie skeptics will ask for seconds!
Creamy & Cheesy: A rich, velvety sauce that hits all the right comfort notes.
Nutritious: Sneaks in healthy broccoli without sacrificing flavor.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Broccoli Mac and Cheese

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of digging into a warm bowl of creamy pasta. This Broccoli Mac and Cheese takes that classic comfort to the next level by perfectly balancing indulgent, rich cheese sauce with tender, bright green broccoli florets. It’s the best of both worlds – satisfying your craving for something hearty while giving you a healthy boost!

Essential Ingredients for Your Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Making a truly delicious Broccoli Mac and Cheese starts with having the right ingredients on hand. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, measured precisely, to create that perfect creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed dish:

Broccoli Mac and Cheese - detail 1

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Pantry Staples for Perfect Broccoli Mac and Cheese

You’ll find that most of the ingredients for this Broccoli Mac and Cheese are likely already in your pantry or fridge! We’re talking about basic pasta, butter, flour, and milk for that essential roux and sauce base. Don’t forget your favorite cheeses to make it extra special and that fresh head of broccoli to add a wonderful, healthy crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Making delicious Broccoli Mac and Cheese is incredibly straightforward once you break it down, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard by the end! We’ll start with the foundational elements, then move on to that luscious cheese sauce, and finally, bring it all together for a dish that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a comforting, cheesy masterpiece in no time.

Preparing Your Ingredients for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

First things first, get your pasta going! Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. While that’s bubbling away, steam or boil your broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp – you want them cooked through but still with a slight bite. Drain both well and set them aside; they’ll be ready to join our amazing cheese sauce soon.

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Now for the heart of our dish: the cheese sauce! In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for just one minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste – this is your roux, the base for thickness. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce beautifully thickens. Stir in your salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then remove from heat and stir in both the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until completely melted and smooth. This creates a luxurious, lump-free sauce!

Combining and Serving Your Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Once your rich cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked macaroni and the tender-crisp broccoli directly into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta and every broccoli floret is coated in that creamy, dreamy goodness. Serve your Broccoli Mac and Cheese warm, right from the pot, and watch it disappear!

Broccoli Mac and Cheese - detail 2

Tips for Success with Your Broccoli Mac and Cheese

To ensure your Broccoli Mac and Cheese is always a winner, remember these little secrets! Don’t overcook your macaroni; al dente pasta holds up best in the rich sauce. For the broccoli, aim for tender-crisp – mushy broccoli is a no-go. And when making your cheese sauce, always add the milk gradually and whisk constantly to avoid lumps, ensuring that silky smooth consistency we all crave. You’ll thank me later!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese is fantastic as-is, but don’t be afraid to get creative! For a little extra protein, consider stirring in some shredded beef or lamb, or even some cooked, diced chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick. As for serving, it’s a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into all that cheesy goodness!

Delicious Twists on Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Want to mix up the flavor profile? Swap out some of the cheddar for smoked gouda or provolone for a richer, more complex taste. A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce is a classic addition that enhances the savory notes. You could also try adding a dash of mustard powder for an extra layer of cheesiness.

Common Questions About Broccoli Mac and Cheese

I get a lot of questions about making the perfect Broccoli Mac and Cheese, and that’s great! It shows you care about getting it just right. Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best advice for tackling them. From making it ahead to choosing the right cheeses, these tips will help you master your creamy, delicious mac and cheese with broccoli.

Can I Prepare Broccoli Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire Broccoli Mac and Cheese dish, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add a splash of milk to loosen it up if needed, and bake until bubbly and heated through.

What are the Best Cheeses for Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

For this Broccoli Mac and Cheese, I love a sharp cheddar for its classic flavor and a Gruyere for its nutty complexity and incredible melt. Other great options include Monterey Jack for creaminess, or even a little smoked gouda for a deeper, smoky note. The key is to use good quality, freshly shredded cheese.

How Do I Prevent My Broccoli Mac and Cheese from Becoming Dry?

The secret to preventing dry Broccoli Mac and Cheese lies in your sauce consistency and not overbaking if you choose to finish it in the oven. Ensure your cheese sauce is nice and creamy before combining with the pasta and broccoli. If baking, cover it for most of the baking time to trap moisture, only uncovering at the end for a crispy top, if desired.

Storage and Reheating Your Broccoli Mac and Cheese

To keep your Broccoli Mac and Cheese delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I find the best way to maintain its creaminess is to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or even a tiny bit of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave small portions, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

While this is an estimate, a typical serving (about 1.5 cups) of this Broccoli Mac and Cheese provides approximately 550 calories, 30g of fat (with 18g saturated fat), 45g of carbohydrates, 4g of fiber, and a substantial 28g of protein. It also contains around 750mg of sodium and 90mg of cholesterol. Please remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Share Your Broccoli Mac and Cheese Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you! Once you’ve whipped up this creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did you try a new cheese? Did your family love it? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creations on social media using #MyKitchenKreations. I can’t wait to see your masterpieces!