Description
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish with tender broccoli florets mixed into a rich cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a kid-friendly, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the last 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both together and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder, mustard, and paprika to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra cheese or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Frozen broccoli works — just thaw and drain well.
- For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for more protein.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk, and increase the amount of broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
