Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese: A Cozy Comfort Food Adventure

Gather ‘round, friends! There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the aroma of baked cheese wafting through a home. One bite of Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, and you’re instantly transported to happier times—the laughter of friends, the warmth of family gatherings, and those cozy evenings where the worries of the day melt away with the gooey, cheesy goodness on your plate. This delightful blend of tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food that brings everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why should Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese become your go-to recipe? Here are some heartwarming reasons to indulge in this comforting dish:

Delicious Flavors: Creamy and rich, with a hint of nuttiness from the cheese and the freshness from the broccoli.
Easy to Prepare: A straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can master, making dinner stress-free.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or sleepovers; everyone loves a warm bowl of mac and cheese!
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, this dish is not only affordable but also filling and satisfying.
Comforting: The ultimate cozy meal that soothes the soul and warms the heart.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you love)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (feel free to swap spinach with kale for a stronger flavor)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better for a bold flavor)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty yet easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat, and as it bubbles, breathe in the nutty aroma. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 3-5 minutes.
Cheese Please: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until creamy and smooth.
Combine: Add the drained pasta and broccoli florets to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine everything until the pasta is generously coated in that cheesy goodness.
Bake (Optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for about 3–5 minutes until golden brown.

Variations and Twists

Why stick to the traditional when you can get creative? Here are some fun modifications to try:

Herbed Delight: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fragrant twist.
Protein Boost: Add diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon for an indulgent, filling meal.
Spicy Kick: Mix in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to make your mac and cheese sassy!

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing quite like serving Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese straight from the oven. Pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal, or serve it alongside roasted chicken for a festive feast. This dish shines at family gatherings or potlucks, where smiles are as plentiful as the cheese in your bowl. For a cozy night in, simply grab a bowl and a soft blanket—these are the ingredients for happiness!

Storage and Reheating

If you manage to have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat your Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese:

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Kitchen Tips for Success

Here are some insider tips to guarantee your Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly every time:

Use Quality Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar; it melts beautifully and flavorfully.
Don’t Skip the Broccoli: The fresh greens not only lift the dish visually but pack it with nutrients too!
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning to your liking—everyone has different preferences for cheese and spices.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding.
How can I make this recipe vegan? Swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese and butter.
What’s the serving size? This recipe serves about 4, perfect for a small gathering or a cozy family dinner.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace, a hug in a bowl, and a delicious reminder of home. So, gather your loved ones, grab your favorite utensils, and delight in creating this comforting dish together. Remember, cooking is a love language, and with each spoonful, you’re sharing not just food, but also joy, warmth, and cherished moments. Happy cooking, friends!

Contents

1 Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A delightful blend of tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a cozy comfort food perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

8 ounces elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love
2 cups fresh broccoli florets feel free to swap with spinach or kale

Cheese Sauce Base

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk whole milk is best for creaminess
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese the sharper, the better for a bold flavor
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

0.5 cup breadcrumbs optional for a crunchy topping

Instructions

Preparation

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.

Combining and Baking

Add the drained pasta and broccoli florets to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is generously coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for about 3–5 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing. Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Keyword Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Pasta

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest