Broccoli and cheddar cheese are delicious together, so why not add broccoli to macaroni and cheese? This combination is the perfect pairing. The addition of the broccoli gives the mac and cheese amazing flavor, and it amps up the nutrients.
Serve broccoli macaroni and cheese alongside hot dogs, burgers, steaks, or chicken. Or make it a meat-free lunch or dinner. I added some Gruyère and Parmesan to the dish, but you can use all cheddar cheese or a combination of cheddar and Parmesan. Or add part pepper jack for a hint of spice.
Recipe Variations
- Protein: Add protein to make this a hearty main dish. Ham, bacon, or leftover pulled pork are excellent additions, or add some diced cooked chicken or leftover turkey. For a vegetarian dish, try adding beans, a meat replacement, or diced fried tofu.
- Baked: Add a buttered breadcrumb topping. Turn the mac and cheese mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Toss 1 cup of soft fresh breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the broccoli macaroni and cheese. Bake in a preheated 400 F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is browned.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate macaroni and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours.
- To reheat in the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave safe bowl. Add a splash of water, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir and continue cooking, stirring in 1 minute intervals until hot.
- To reheat in the oven, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a 350 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot.
Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate your mac and cheese with nutritious, delicious broccoli!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or American, more cheddar, etc.)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water following the package directions (1 teaspoon salt per quart of water). Drain well.
- While the macaroni cooks, steam the broccoli in a small amount of water for 8 to 10 minutes until tender
- but still bright green.
- Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the butter begins to sizzle, add the flour and cook while stirring for 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened. Add the cheese and cook until it has melted.
- Combine the hot, cooked macaroni with the broccoli and cheese sauce. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne, and enjoy!