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Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A spoonful of creamy, baked broccoli cheddar being lifted from a white ramekin, showing a dramatic cheese pull.
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Make this ultimate comfort food: a creamy, cheesy broccoli cheddar mac and cheese baked until golden. This recipe uses simple ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
  3. Drain the macaroni and broccoli well and set them aside.
  4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.
  5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to your preference.
  9. Fold the drained macaroni and broccoli into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  10. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  11. If you are using a topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest sauce texture.
  • Shred your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • For a quicker meal, skip the baking step and serve the mixture directly from the saucepan as stovetop mac and cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/ultimate-creamy-broccoli-cheddar-mac-cheese/