If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a comfort classic, the Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese is here to make all your cheesy dreams come true! This dish brings a harmony of creamy cheese, crunchy panko, and fresh broccoli in every warm, inviting bite. It’s not only deliciously indulgent but also simple enough to whip up, making it perfect for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Meets Greens: This dish brings the best of both worlds with cheesy goodness and a nutritional boost from broccoli.
- Quick & Easy: In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a fancy-looking dinner that requires minimal effort.
- Endless Variations: It’s incredibly flexible, so you can adapt it based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preference.
- Family Favorite: Perfect for feeding a crowd, even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its creamy charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese calls for everyday ingredients that each play an essential role. From the creamy cheese that comforts your taste buds to the panko crumbs for the crunch, each one contributes something special.
- Medium shell pasta: It holds up better in baking than traditional macaroni.
- Fresh broccoli: Adds color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a robust flavor that other cheeses might not offer.
- Seasoned panko bread crumbs: Ensure that coveted crispy topping.
Variations
Customizing your Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese is as easy as pie. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs, thanks to its versatile nature.
- For a Veggie Boost: Try adding some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- Protein-Packed: Mix in some cooked chicken or bacon bits for added flavor and substance.
How to Make Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for just 2 minutes. Quickly transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli vibrant green and crisp-tender!
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate pot, melt your butter over medium heat and stir in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let the sauce thicken, stirring constantly, then melt in 2 cups of cheese. This rich, creamy sauce is the star of the dish!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Achieve Sauce Perfection: Whisk vigorously and constantly to ensure the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
- Cheese Choices: For the best melting and flavor, always shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded.
- Topping Flexibility: If you prefer less crunch, add the cheese and panko mix just five minutes before baking ends.
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Cook pasta two minutes less than usual to maintain firmness post-bake.
How to Serve Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an added fresh touch and a pop of color just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese with a light and refreshing side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in individual ramekins for a beautiful presentation or use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic vibe that’s both functional and stylish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It tastes just as delicious when you relive this culinary delight midweek!
Freezing
To freeze, transfer your dish to a freezer-safe container. This delectable meal can be stored for up to two months—just remember to reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Either way, it’ll still hit all the right cheesy notes!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mozzarella or a combination of cheeses like gruyere and parmesan for a richer flavor profile.
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Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta and panko breadcrumbs. Ensure your flour for the sauce is also gluten-free.
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What is the best pasta for this recipe?
Medium shell pasta is ideal as its shape holds sauces well, but elbow macaroni or penne can also work beautifully.
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Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives to enjoy a vegan version of this classic comfort dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making this Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese, filled with creamy textures, cheesy goodness, and the perfect crunch. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and watch as this dish quickly becomes a beloved staple at your dinner table!
Print
Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baked Pasta and Vegetables
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious baked broccoli mac and cheese combines tender pasta, nutritious broccoli, and a rich cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection with a crispy panko topping. It offers a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups medium shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced fresh broccoli
For the Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Pinch ground nutmeg
Cheese
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 11″ x 7″ baking pan.
- Prepare broccoli: Bring a pot of water to boil, add the broccoli, and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, then add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Cook, whisking frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat, then stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and broccoli, mixing evenly.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, followed by the panko bread crumbs.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook pasta 2 minutes less than al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Ensure to cook the roux for a couple of minutes to eliminate raw flour flavor.
- Use medium heat when preparing the sauce to prevent scalding the milk.
- The sauce is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Shredding cheese yourself yields better melting results, but pre-shredded works fine.
- Hold off adding the cheese and bread crumbs until the last 5 minutes if you prefer a softer topping.
- Prep cheese and broccoli ahead of time to streamline cooking.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 225 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
