Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Enjoy the comforting flavors of broccoli and cheese in this macaroni and cheese dish. Serve as a meat-free meal or side dish!
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.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Kid-friendly with veggies built in. Broccoli and cheese make a classic combo that’s comforting and colorful.
Quick and easy stovetop method. No need to bake—just cook, stir, and serve.
Great for meatless meals. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own but pairs well with proteins too.
Flexible cheese blend. Stick with cheddar or mix it up with Gruyère, Parmesan, or even pepper jack for heat.
Ingredient Notes
- Elbow macaroni: Classic shape, but other short pasta like shells or cavatappi will work.
- Broccoli: Use fresh florets, steamed until tender-crisp. Frozen broccoli works in a pinch.
- Butter and flour: Make a simple roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk is best for richness, but 2% works too.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor—don’t skip it!
- Gruyère and Parmesan: Optional, but they add depth. Use American or more cheddar as needed.
- Salt, pepper, cayenne: Season to taste for balance and a little kick.
Steps to Make Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Steam the broccoli until tender but still bright green.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine the macaroni and broccoli with the sauce, season to taste, and serve!
Tips
- Steam broccoli in the microwave with a splash of water for faster prep.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding more cheddar or a bit of cream cheese.
- For a baked version, top with breadcrumbs and broil briefly for a golden crust.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or shred your own for better melting.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein. Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken to make it a heartier main.
- Make it vegetarian. Use beans, meatless crumbles, or cubed tofu for added protein.
- Bake it. Toss with buttered breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Change the cheese. Try a blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a little pepper jack for variety.
- Spice it up. Add jalapeños, a spoonful of Dijon, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetable for a balanced meatless meal.
- Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs for a comforting dinner.
- Add a fruit salad or applesauce on the side for kids.
- Include in a holiday spread alongside roasted meats or baked ham.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours. Use within 3–4 days.
To Reheat: For microwave reheating, add a splash of water and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot. To reheat in the oven, transfer to a buttered baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until warmed through.
Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup broccoli , florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded, or American, more cheddar, etc.
- 1/4 cup grated 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!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
