Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Name: Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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)

5 from 2 votes

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Do you have little ones who refuse to eat their vegetables? I know most parents go through the phase where you sit at the kitchen table for an hour or so waiting for your child to finish their dinner. Instead of a fight every night, try changing it up! Add those greens into a child’s favorite, Broccoli Mac and Cheese.

Creamy cheesy macaroni with cooked broccoli throughout makes for a real treat at dinner time.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese

What does this dish pair well with?

Broccoli and cheese have been a staple side in American homes for years. Both of the flavors go perfectly with most meat dishes. We recommend Chicken or pork because of their sweet and light taste. Both dishes complement the spices used in the Broccoli Mac and Cheese and you could use the same ones on either dish. Steak or seafood works well as a main dish too. If you are vegetarian, try serving it with Tofu or vegetarian lasagna. Something with a sweet and savory flavor.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Can you bake this dish in the oven?

If you want a crispier outcome then we recommend putting this dish in the oven. Make sure broccoli and pasta are cooked ahead of time or they could dry out in the oven. If you bake everything all together then use enough water to cover all ingredients. Halfway through the baking process, top with an extra layer of cheese which will crisp up and add a casserole texture to your Broccoli Mac and Cheese.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Grocery List for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour

3 Tablespoons Butter

2 Cups Water

4 Cups 2% or Whole Milk

1 Box of Medium Shell Pasta, uncooked

You can try any style of pasta you like, whether its macaroni or shells

¾ Teaspoon Garlic Salt

¼ Teaspoon Onion Powder

½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika

¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

4 Cups 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.

2 Cups Steamed Broccoli Florets, chopped

Picture of Ingredients:

How to make Broccoli Mac and Cheese? Let’s get Cooking!

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 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.

And

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 in the cooked broccoli pieces and stir to combine all ingredients together.

ENJOY!

Broccoli Mac and Cheese

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

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:

5 from 2 votes

Review Recipe

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.