Name: BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 250 g macaroni; Broccoli; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped); 4 tbsp flour; 2 cup milk; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cheddar cheese

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Experience comfort in every bite with our Broccoli Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome broccoli, it’s the ultimate blend of indulgence and nutrition. A tasty twist on a classic favorite!

THE PASTA

My favorite pasta to use for this recipe is elbow macaroni. But you can also use any type of pasta you prefer. I would recommend ziti, penne or rigatoni.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Mac and Cheese

✔ Ultra creamy & cheesy – The cheese sauce coats every bite!
✔ Packed with veggies – A great way to add more greens to your meal.
✔ Kid-friendly & picky eater-approved – Even broccoli skeptics love it!
✔ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Customizable – Add proteins, different cheeses, or a crispy topping.

What Makes Broccoli Mac and Cheese Special?

This dish takes classic mac and cheese and adds steamed or roasted broccoli, creating the perfect balance of rich and creamy with a slight freshness and bite from the broccoli.

You can either:

Steam the broccoli for a soft texture that blends into the cheese sauce.
Roast it for a slightly crispy, caramelized flavor that adds depth.

No matter how you prepare it, broccoli absorbs the cheesy sauce beautifully, making every bite irresistible!

Ingredients you need:

Pasta
Broccoli
Butter
Garlic
Flour
Milk
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese

Tips for the Best Broccoli Mac and Cheese

1. Use freshly grated cheese

A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère creates the best melt and flavor.
Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

2. Cook pasta al dente

Since it sits in hot cheese sauce, slightly undercook your pasta to prevent mushiness.

3. Blanch or steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes

This keeps it vibrant and tender without overcooking.

4. Make a smooth, creamy cheese sauce

Melt butter, whisk in flour for a roux, add milk, then slowly melt the cheese for a silky, lump-free sauce.

5. Add a crispy topping (optional)

For baked broccoli mac and cheese, top with buttered breadcrumbs or extra cheese and bake until golden.

BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2 SERVINGS

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

250 g macaroni
Broccoli
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves finely chopped
4 tbsp flour
2 cup milk
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions

Begin by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and follow the instructions on the package for cooking time. Before draining, remember to save at least 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
A few minutes before your pasta is ready, add your broccoli florets to the boiling water. This way, the pasta and broccoli will finish cooking simultaneously.
Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat, then stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add 4 tablespoons of flour and mix until well combined.
Allow it to cook for a few minutes, then slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Let the mixture thicken, then season it with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder.
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until the cheese is fully melted.
Add your cooked pasta and broccoli, along with a splash of pasta water. Mix until a creamy sauce forms. You can adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water to your liking.
For an extra cheesy twist, mix in 1/4 cup of mozzarella. Now, savor the deliciousness! Enjoy!

Keyword BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE, cheese, MAC AND CHEESE, pasta

If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.

BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE

5 from 23 reviews

Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Marination Time

2 hrs

Total Time

2 hrs 20 mins

Course

Appetizer

Cuisine

American

Servings

6 PIECES

Ingredients

250 g macaroni

Broccoli

4 tbsp unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves

4 tbsp flour

2 cup milk

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions

Begin by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and follow the instructions on the package for cooking time. Before draining, remember to save at least 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
A few minutes before your pasta is ready, add your broccoli florets to the boiling water. This way, the pasta and broccoli will finish cooking simultaneously.
Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat, then stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add 4 tablespoons of flour and mix until well combined.
Allow it to cook for a few minutes, then slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Let the mixture thicken, then season it with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder.
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until the cheese is fully melted.
Add your cooked pasta and broccoli, along with a splash of pasta water. Mix until a creamy sauce forms. You can adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water to your liking.
For an extra cheesy twist, mix in 1/4 cup of mozzarella. Now, savor the deliciousness! Enjoy!

Keywords: simple green salad, green salad, everyday salad

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BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Mac and Cheese

What Makes Broccoli Mac and Cheese Special?