Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort Food Elevated
Mac and cheese. The ultimate comfort food. But what if we told you that you could elevate this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness and sneak in some extra veggies at the same time? Enter: Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This isn’t your average boxed mac and cheese; this is a creamy, cheesy, broccoli-studded masterpiece that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion that calls for pure, unadulterated comfort.
This recipe takes the simple goodness of macaroni and cheese and amps it up with the sharp, nutty flavor of cheddar cheese and the wholesome goodness of broccoli florets. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly nutritious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a winner for busy weeknights.
Why This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe Works
- Creamy, Dreamy Cheese Sauce: The foundation of any good mac and cheese is, of course, the cheese sauce. This recipe uses a roux-based sauce, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that coats every noodle perfectly. We use a combination of sharp cheddar and medium cheddar for a balanced flavor profile.
- Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: No one wants mushy broccoli in their mac and cheese. This recipe calls for lightly steaming the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp, retaining its bright green color and slightly firm texture.
- Flavor Boosters: A touch of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the cheese sauce and complements the cheddar.
- Customizable: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Add other vegetables, different types of cheese, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crust.
- Kid-Friendly (and Adult-Approved!): This recipe is a surefire hit with kids (even picky eaters!). The familiar flavors of mac and cheese paired with the slightly sweet taste of broccoli make it a winning combination. And adults will love the grown-up flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese:
- Pasta: 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any short pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, cavatappi, or rotini)
- Broccoli: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- Butter: 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Milk: 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for a slightly lighter version)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Medium Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping (panko or regular)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese every time:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! It will continue to cook in the cheese sauce, so you want it to be slightly firm when you drain it.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You can steam them in a steamer basket over boiling water, or in the microwave with a small amount of water. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
Tip: To steam broccoli in the microwave, place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or a microwave-safe lid) and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Tip: Make sure to cook the roux for a minute or two to cook out the raw flour taste. The roux should be smooth and slightly golden in color.
Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the roux is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Tip: Be patient and stir the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, medium cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Bake (Optional)
If you want to bake your mac and cheese, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs, if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese even more amazing:
- Add More Vegetables: Get creative and add other vegetables to your mac and cheese. Cauliflower, peas, carrots, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor profile. Gruyere, fontina, mozzarella, or even a touch of pepper jack would be great additions.
- Add Protein: Make it a complete meal by adding some protein. Cooked chicken, bacon, ham, or sausage would all be delicious additions.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a little extra milk before baking to prevent it from drying out.
- Use a Different Cooking Method for the Broccoli: Instead of steaming, you can roast the broccoli for a slightly different flavor. Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes would all be delicious accompaniments.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: For a heartier meal, serve the mac and cheese alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Soup: A bowl of tomato soup or chicken noodle soup would be a comforting and satisfying side.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a little milk to the mac and cheese when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese:
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While it’s convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese.
- Can I use different types of milk? Yes, you can use different types of milk. Whole milk will result in the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk or even skim milk can be used for a lighter version.
- Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese? While you can freeze mac and cheese, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. The sauce may become grainy. For best results, consume within 1-2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- My cheese sauce is lumpy. What did I do wrong? Lumpy cheese sauce is usually caused by adding the milk too quickly or not stirring the sauce constantly. If you get lumps, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce. Alternatively, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese in a slow cooker. Cook the pasta separately and then add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Can I add a topping other than breadcrumbs? Absolutely! Consider crushed Ritz crackers, crumbled potato chips, or even crispy fried onions for a unique and delicious topping.
- How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together? After draining the pasta, toss it with a little bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe Card
[Here you would ideally insert a recipe card with fields for ingredients, instructions, cook time, prep time, etc. Since I cannot create a functional recipe card, I will provide the data that would be included in one.]Recipe Name: Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Steam broccoli until tender-crisp; drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheeses, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta and broccoli to cheese sauce; stir to combine.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish (optional). Top with breadcrumbs (optional).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly (optional).
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Enjoy Your Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese!
We hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe! It’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies and elevate your mac and cheese game to a whole new level. Let us know in the comments how it turns out for you and if you made any fun variations!
Call to Action
Now that you have all the knowledge, what are you waiting for? Go and make the best Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese ever. Don’t forget to share the outcome with us in the comments below! And if you liked this recipe, please share it with your friends and family!
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Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes everyone feel good. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the comfort with those you love!
Keywords
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese Recipe, Cheese Sauce, Broccoli Recipe, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe, Kid-Friendly Recipe, Easy Recipe, Cheese Recipe, Pasta Recipe