Description
Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
12 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the pasta:
Boil the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Steam the broccoli:
Lightly steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Set aside.
Make the cheese sauce:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Add the cheese:
Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and garlic powder until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine everything:
Add the cooked macaroni and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Serve & enjoy:
Garnish with extra cheese, parsley, or freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting. Shred the cheddar cheese yourself for better melting. Cut broccoli into uniform florets.
2. Cook Components in Parallel: Start boiling water for pasta. While it heats, begin steaming the broccoli in a separate pot or microwave. As they cook, start the cheese sauce.
3. Master the Roux: In your largest pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for a full 90 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should be bubbly and pale yellow.
4. Create the Bechamel: Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not boil.
5. Melt Cheese Off Heat: Remove the pot from the burner. Stir in the cheeses and garlic powder until fully melted and smooth. This prevents the sauce from breaking.
6. Final Combine: Fold the drained pasta and steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce until everything is luxuriously coated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately while hot and creamy. For a gourmet touch, top with toasted breadcrumbs, crispy fried onions, or chopped cooked bacon. Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or pork chops.
How-to Summary
To make Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese, cook elbow macaroni and lightly steam broccoli florets. Separately, make a cheese sauce by creating a butter-flour roux, whisking in milk and cream to thicken, then melting in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta and broccoli, stir until coated, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes. Thaw and thoroughly drain frozen broccoli to avoid watering down the cheese sauce. Pat it dry before adding.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy? Graininess often occurs from overheating the cheese. Always melt cheese off the direct heat, and avoid using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prep components ahead, but combine just before serving. The sauce may thicken when chilled; reheat it gently with a splash of milk.
What other cheeses work well? Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina are excellent melting cheeses. For a sharper flavor, add a bit of aged white cheddar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Steam only until tender-crisp. Mushy broccoli will make the dish soggy.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: These cheeses are coated to prevent clumping, which also prevents smooth melting. Always shred your own.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. Remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cheese.
- Neglecting to Season the Sauce: Taste and season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper before adding the pasta. It’s harder to season evenly afterward.
Conclusion
This Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese recipe is the perfect marriage of comforting, cheesy pasta and nutritious vegetables. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a reliably delicious and crowd-pleasing dish in just 30 minutes. It’s a versatile classic that satisfies as both a hearty main course and a standout side dish. Enjoy your homemade, creamy creation!