Description
A comforting dish of creamy macaroni mixed with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: 12 ounces
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 cups
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Mustard Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Add cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard powder to the sauce, stirring until melted.
- Combine pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Let the dish cool slightly to set the sauce before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a richer flavor.
- Pre-shred cheese for faster melting.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for an optional crunchy topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, broccoli recipes, family dinner