Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

When comfort food calls, few dishes deliver like a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese — especially when you add tender broccoli florets for a boost of flavor and nutrition. Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the ultimate weeknight dinner that balances indulgence with a hint of wholesome goodness. It’s the perfect dish for cozy evenings, family dinners, or even potluck gatherings where you want something satisfying yet simple.

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the timeless love of classic broccoli cheddar soup — that velvety, cheesy bowl of warmth that everyone craves on chilly days. By transforming those same comforting flavors into a baked mac and cheese, you get the best of both worlds: a luscious cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta, with tender-crisp broccoli tucked into every bite. It’s a hearty, soul-warming meal that brings smiles to the table every single time.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, optional)

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Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later if needed.

2. Steam the Broccoli
   While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3–4 minutes. You want them vibrant green and slightly firm so they hold their shape when mixed with the cheese sauce. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Roux (Base for the Sauce)
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble slightly but shouldn’t brown — this step removes the raw flour taste and forms the base of your creamy sauce.

4. Add Milk and Cream
   Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and continue to cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

5. Add Seasonings and Cheese
   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth. Save a little cheese for topping if you plan to bake it.

6. Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce
   Add the cooked macaroni and steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

7. Optional – Bake It
   For a baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top along with any reserved cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

8. Serve and Enjoy
   Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra cheddar or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy blend of cheddar and broccoli in every forkful.

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Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Yield

6 servings

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese — it’s familiar yet exciting, creamy yet slightly textured thanks to the broccoli. Here’s why it’s bound to become a family favorite:

• Balanced Comfort Food: It offers the indulgence of mac and cheese with the nourishing touch of broccoli.

• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love it — the creamy cheese sauce makes the broccoli irresistible.

• Customizable: You can make it baked or stovetop, switch up cheeses, or even use different vegetables.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and makes fantastic leftovers for lunches or side dishes.

This recipe also bridges the gap between comfort food and veggie-packed goodness, making it a hit for both grown-ups and kids alike.

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Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

1. Shred Your Own Cheese:
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. For the smoothest, creamiest result, shred your cheese from a block.

2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:
Lightly steam it so it stays vibrant and slightly crisp. Overcooked broccoli can make your dish watery.

3. Use the Right Pasta:
Short pasta shapes like elbows, shells, or cavatappi are best — they hold onto the sauce perfectly.

4. Add a Flavor Boost:
A pinch of dry mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce enhances the cheddar flavor without overpowering it.

5. Choose Quality Cheese:
A sharp cheddar adds depth, while mozzarella gives it a stretchy, gooey texture. Mixing a few types of cheese gives your sauce complexity.

6. For a Crispy Top:
Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and bake the dish uncovered until golden. This gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.

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Serving Ideas

• Weeknight Dinner: Serve as a main dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

• Holiday Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey for special occasions.

• Potluck Favorite: Easy to transport, serve, and reheat — it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

• Lunch Prep: Portion it into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.

For an extra pop of color, garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

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Variations to Try

1. Broccoli and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Mix steamed cauliflower florets with broccoli for extra texture and a slightly milder flavor.

2. Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Add shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to make it a protein-packed meal.

3. Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Mac
Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.

4. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for the roux. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll never miss the original.

5. Vegan Option
Use dairy-free milk, plant-based butter, and vegan cheese alternatives. Steam the broccoli as usual and mix everything together for a satisfying plant-based meal.

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. If baked, cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

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Nutritional Benefits

Broccoli brings more than just color to your mac and cheese — it adds vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that complement the richness of the cheese sauce. Here’s what makes this recipe a bit more wholesome:

• Broccoli: Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

• Cheddar: A source of calcium and protein.

• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess while providing vitamin D and healthy fats.

This dish proves that you can enjoy comfort food while still getting some nutritional value. It’s indulgence made just a little smarter.

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Make It a Complete Meal

Turn your Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese into a full meal with these ideas:

• Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, baked tofu, or sautéed shrimp for a more filling version.

• Include a Fresh Side: Pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

• Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.

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Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese isn’t just another variation on a classic — it’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Every forkful blends creamy cheese sauce with tender broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta, offering a harmony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re looking to sneak more vegetables into dinner or simply crave something rich and satisfying, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s customizable, reliable, and undeniably comforting — the kind of dish that turns ordinary evenings into something special.

Bring out the casserole dish, warm up the oven, and make this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese part of your family’s comfort food tradition. One bite, and it’ll be clear why this recipe stands the test of time — hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly good.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess water from thinning your sauce.

2. How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use a mix of milk and cream, and whisk the sauce thoroughly while it thickens. Avoid overheating once the cheese is added — low and slow keeps it silky.

3. Can I skip baking it?
Absolutely! The stovetop version is just as creamy and delicious. Baking adds a crispy top, but it’s entirely optional.

4. What other cheeses can I use?
You can substitute part of the cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, or even Gruyère for a richer flavor.

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