Broccoli Mac and Cheese
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Mac and cheese is a timeless staple for many families, and yet, if you have prepared it enough, you may be getting tired of the same old thing.
This broccoli mac and cheese recipe is a wonderful variation of the classic dish.
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It is subtly seasoned with garlic and onion and wonderfully cheesy.
While you might think that mac and cheese is a classic kids’ dish, this recipe for broccoli mac and cheese takes it to a grownup place.
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Why do I love Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
- I love classic mac and cheese, but I’ve been eating that since I was a kid. This recipe for broccoli mac and cheese is a grown-up version of the traditional dish.
- This recipe has the perfect blend of flavors that I know you will love.
- This is a great way to sneak a bit of broccoli to your kids!
What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Cheddar is the traditional choice for mac and cheese with broccoli, but you can use other kinds of cheese as well. Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan, and Havarti all make delicious versions of broccoli mac and cheese.
How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?
To keep mac and cheese creamy, you can do several things. First,use freshly grated cheese instead of preshredded cheese for increased moisture. Second, use a moist cheese or a mixture that is mostly of moist cheese. Parmesan might be too dry to keep it moist. Third, don’t let the flour mixture get too thick as you cook it.
Why is my mac and cheese always dry?
Mac and cheese can get dry when the pasta absorbs too much sauce. Add some extra milk to moisten the pasta.
What milk is best for mac and cheese?
Whole cow’s milk is the best choice for mac and cheese because it makes it very creamy.
How to serve Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
You can serve mac and cheese with broccoli as a side dish or you can scoop it into bowls and serve it as a main dish.
Tips:
- Stir the browned flour mixture continually so it will not scorch.
- Whisk the sauce well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Be sure to fully cook the pasta so that it will not continue absorbing the sauce and make your mac and cheese dry.
Variations:
- You can omit the broccoli if you don’t like it and use ham or bacon instead.
- Use different cheeses or a combination of two for a new flavor for this recipe.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Butter
- Water
- Whole Milk
- Shell Pasta, uncooked — You can try any style of pasta you like, whether its macaroni or shells.
- Garlic Salt
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Ground Black Pepper
- Shredded Cheese
- Pick your favorite cheese! Either a spicy cheese or something a little more hearty. Just make sure it is shredded so the cheese melts easily and evenly.
- Steamed Broccoli Florets
How to make Broccoli Mac and Cheese:
Step 1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 2. Add in your All-Purpose Flour, and then whisk constantly for 30 seconds
Keep stirring so the flour and butter become golden brown color. If you do not stir it frequently the flour could burn
Step 3. Pour in the water and mix under the texture is smooth and thickened
Step 4. Next, add in the milk and keep whisking to combine
Step 5. Stir in the shell pasta, garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Stirring often until pasta is soft.
Step 6. Turn the heat down to low and slowly add in the shredded cheese.
Keep stirring until all cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7. Lastly, add the cooked broccoli pieces and stir to combine all ingredients together.
What is the best cheese to use?
The most popular cheese is Sharp Cheddar because of how it compliments the cooked noodles so well. It is the typical cheese you find in most mac and cheese dishes. Gouda is the next favorite and is seriously not given enough credit for its wonderful taste. Parmesan or brie will give you a sharper taste like the cheddar. Our personal favorite would be Goat cheese or Gruyere because it is such a smooth consistency. These usually come in a log or ball, not shredded but it melts super quickly and evenly. Both come with hints of garlic or honey too if you would like to add more flavor profiles to your dish.
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Cups Water
- 4 Cups 2% or Whole Milk
- 1 Box of Medium Shell Pasta, uncooked
- ¾ Teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 4 Cups Shredded Cheese
- 2 Cups Steamed Broccoli Florets, chopped
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Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in your All-Purpose Flour, and then whisk constantly for 30 seconds. Keep stirring so the flour and butter become golden brown color. If youdo not stir it the flour could burn.
- Pour in the water and mix under texture is smooth and thickened.
- Next, add in the milk and keep whisking to combine.
- Stir in the shell pasta, garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and
black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Stirring oftenuntil pasta is soft. - Turn the heat down to low and slowly add in the shredded cheese. Keep stirring until all cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Lastly, add in the cooked broccoli pieces and stir to combine all ingredients together.
Nutrition
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How to store Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
How to reheat Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
This dish can be reheated in the microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring after each burst.
How much does Broccoli Mac and Cheese last on the fridge?
You can keep this mac and cheese with broccoli in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make ahead Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
This recipe is best created immediately before you wish to eat it.
Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese – Looking for a great mac & cheese weekday dinner idea? This Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is incredible!
Classic Macaroni and Cheese -This rich and creamy macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food!
BLT Macaroni Salad – The beauty of a good macaroni salad is that it’s the perfect dish for both a summer barbecue and a winter potluck.
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