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Craving a creamy mac and cheese that’s both indulgent and nutritious? This Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe delivers the ultimate in cozy, family-friendly meals. Packed with gooey sharp cheddar cheese, tender pasta, and crisp broccoli florets, this kid-friendly veggie dish is a weeknight dinner hero and a healthy comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This dish is everything you love about classic mac and cheese—with a nutritious twist. The creamy cheese sauce recipe wraps around every noodle, while broccoli adds a fresh crunch and essential vitamins. It’s perfect for picky eaters, busy parents, or anyone craving comfort food that doesn’t skip the veggies.
- ✔️ Family-friendly and kid-approved
- ✔️ Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and melty Gruyère
- ✔️ Balanced with healthy broccoli florets
- ✔️ Customizable with your favorite pasta shapes
- ✔️ Comforting, satisfying, and easy to reheat
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce Recipe:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Gruyère or Gouda (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt, black pepper, and pinch of nutmeg to taste
For the Pasta and Broccoli:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice (cavatappi, penne, or shells work great)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, Gruyère, mustard, and spices. Keep stirring until melted and creamy.
3. Combine & Bake (Optional)
Mix pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for maximum melt and flavor.
- Add cheese slowly over low heat to avoid clumping.
- A touch of Dijon mustard or garlic powder adds depth to the sauce.
- For ultra creaminess, blend in a bit of cream cheese or evaporated milk.
Best Pasta and Cheese Combinations
Top Pasta Shapes for Cheese Sauce:
- Elbow macaroni
- Cavatappi
- Shells
- Penne
Winning Cheese Blends:
- Sharp cheddar + Gruyère
- White cheddar + Fontina
- Smoked cheddar + Gouda
- Add Parmesan for a salty, umami finish
Add-In Ideas for Extra Flavor
Make your creamy mac and cheese even better with these mix-ins:
- Proteins: Diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or ground turkey
- Veggies: Spinach, peas, roasted tomatoes, or caramelized onions
- Spices: Paprika, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce
- Toppings: Toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or grated Parmesan
How to Store & Reheat Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F or on the stovetop with a splash of milk. Stir gently until creamy and hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating cheese can make the sauce grainy. Melt cheese slowly over low heat.
- Under-seasoning the sauce can make it bland—taste and adjust!
- Overcooking pasta or broccoli leads to mushy texture. Cook just until tender.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings:
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread or warm rolls
Garnish With:
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Extra grated cheese
- A light drizzle of truffle oil
Broccoli Mac and Cheese FAQ
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes! It’s a kid-friendly veggie dish that sneaks in nutrition while delivering that creamy mac and cheese taste kids love.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Frozen broccoli is convenient and still provides great flavor and nutrition.
What’s the secret to a smooth cheese sauce?
Use fresh grated cheese, stir constantly, and melt slowly. Don’t let it boil!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the healthy comfort food your family didn’t know they needed. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding picky eaters, or hosting a casual dinner, this creamy mac and cheese recipe delivers on all fronts: taste, texture, and nutrition.
Printable Recipe Card
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
The ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food with a healthy veggie twist!
Perfect for: Family dinners, picky eaters, and meal prep
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- Salted water (for boiling)
For the cheese sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère or Gouda, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (to taste)
Add-ins:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed or lightly blanched
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Steam Broccoli:
Lightly steam broccoli until just tender. Set aside. - Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened (5–7 min). Stir in shredded cheeses, mustard, and seasonings until smooth and creamy. - Combine:
In a large bowl or baking dish, mix cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir until well-coated. - Bake (Optional):
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips for Creamy Perfection
- Grate your own cheese for the smoothest melt
- Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well (shells, penne, elbow)
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (freeze in portions)
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F or stovetop with a splash of milk
Best Cheese Combinations
- Sharp Cheddar for bold flavor
- Gruyère or Gouda for meltiness
- Parmesan for savory depth
Kid-Friendly • Vegetarian • Customizable
Save this Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe for a weeknight dinner win! 🧀🥦
