Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve been craving a comforting, cheesy dish that also sneaks in some greens, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—creamy, cheesy, with tender bites of broccoli that add a fresh pop of flavor and color. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s one that makes dinner feel cozy while still feeling a bit special. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all my secrets to nail it every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have around your kitchen. Combining sharp cheddar and nutty gruyere gives the sauce a rich, layered flavor that’s impossible to resist.

• Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the cheesy sauce perfectly.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and is essential for a smooth roux base.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without clumping if whisked properly.
• 2% milk: Creamy but not too heavy, balancing the sauce’s texture.
• Dijon mustard: This little boost cuts through the richness, enhancing the cheese flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to taste.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, delivers that classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Shredded gruyere cheese: Adds a fancy nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or lightly steamed, they bring a slight crunch and bright taste.

Variations

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe is a fantastic canvas to play with—whether you want to make it dairy-free, add some spice, or pack in more veggies, there’s a variation that fits your mood.

• Veggie Upgrades: I sometimes toss in cooked cauliflower or roasted red peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to swap out gruyere for mozzarella or gouda for a creamier or smokier finish—I’ve tried both and loved the results.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños gives a lovely heat to the creamy dish.
• Dairy-Free Version: Using plant-based milk and vegan cheese works well if you’re avoiding dairy; just make sure to choose a good melting vegan cheese.

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Steam the Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes—just enough bite to keep it from getting mushy when baked or mixed. Here’s a little trick I love: place a steamer basket on top of the pot and toss the broccoli florets in for the last 1-2 minutes of the pasta cooking time. This way, the broccoli gets perfectly steamed without extra pots to wash! Once ready, drain both and quickly plunge the broccoli into cold water to keep that bright green color and crunch.

Step 2: Make a Golden Roux for the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Once it’s foamy, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color—this step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates that silky fondation for your sauce. Don’t rush this part, because it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

Step 3: Whisk in Milk, Mustard, and Cheese

Gradually pour in the 2% milk while whisking constantly, so you don’t get lumps. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard—it’s my secret weapon for making the cheese flavor pop and balancing richness. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, whisking occasionally until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Finally, fold in the shredded cheddar and gruyere, stirring until melty and smooth. I love using a mix of cheeses because the gruyere adds that nutty depth you don’t get from cheddar alone.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Cheese Sauce

Gently fold your drained pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. This is when the magic happens—the broccoli keeps your meal feeling fresh and lively even with all that creamy cheese. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling some crispy breadcrumbs or toasted panko on top for a delightful crunch contrast—plus a little freshly cracked black pepper or chopped parsley brightens up the plate visually and in flavor. Sometimes a dusting of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth that’s unexpected but wonderful.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness, or roasted garlic green beans complement the broccoli beautifully. When I’m feeling indulgent, garlicky breadsticks make for a total crowd-pleaser alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love baking this recipe in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings because it looks as fantastic as it tastes. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a fancy touch that feels extra cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce, so you might notice it thicker when reheated, but it still tastes delicious.

Freezing

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion it out before freezing in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, it sometimes benefits from a splash of milk while reheating to return the sauce to that creamy perfection.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep moisture in. Adding a little milk helps revive the creamy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for a reason—it hits that perfect balance of comfort and nutrition without fuss. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy, and I love knowing I’ve packed a veggie in there without anyone even noticing. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to whip up a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you start making it, it’ll become your go-to mac and cheese recipe, too.

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