Broccoli mac and cheese is a great twist on the classic—adding the green veggie brings in a nice contrast to the creamy cheese sauce while making it a bit more nutritious. Here’s a simple recipe for it:
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional, but adds nice flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot so they can cook together. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (paste).
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (you might want a little more salt or pepper).
- Optional: Add Breadcrumb Topping:
- If you like a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and then place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Watch it carefully to avoid burning!
- Serve:
- Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before serving for extra indulgence.
This broccoli mac and cheese is perfect as a main dish or a side. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the goodness of broccoli! Let me know if you want to add any other twists to it (like bacon or more veggies), and I can help with that too!
