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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk The base of this dish is simple yet satisfying. Start with elbow macaroni, a classic for mac and cheese. Broccoli adds a healthy twist and bright color. The butter and flour create a thick and creamy sauce. Milk gives it a nice texture and richness. - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated - Additional cheese options Cheese is key to a good mac and cheese. I use sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. Mozzarella brings a stretchy, creamy texture. You can try other cheeses too, like gouda or fontina for extra flavor. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs) Seasoning enhances the dish. Garlic and onion powder add depth. Don't forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you want a crispy top, use breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. This gives a nice crunch when baked. To start, boil a large pot of salted water. This water adds flavor to the pasta. Once it boils, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This helps the broccoli stay bright green and crisp. After that, drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set them aside for later. Next, we’ll make a yummy cheese sauce. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until it turns light golden. This creates a roux, which thickens the sauce. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk. Make sure to remove any lumps as you go. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Season this sauce with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to mix everything well. If you want a crispy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until coated. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty dish! To avoid lumps while adding milk, pour slowly. Whisk continuously as you add the milk. This keeps the sauce smooth. Cook the mixture over low heat. High heat can burn the cheese and ruin the sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese melts. To maintain the bright green color and crunch, steam the broccoli. This method helps keep its nutrients. You can also blanch the broccoli in boiling water briefly. Then, shock it in ice water to stop the cooking. This method keeps the broccoli fresh and vibrant. For the perfect topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. This will help them crisp up in the oven. Spread the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. If your oven runs hot, check it a bit early. Baking times can vary by oven, so stay alert for that golden brown top. {{image_2}} You can easily add meat to Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Chicken or bacon works great. To use chicken, cook it first. You can shred or chop it into small pieces. Mix the cooked chicken into the cheese sauce. For bacon, cook it until crispy. Crumble it and sprinkle it on top or mix it in. Both options add flavor and protein to your dish. If you want a vegetarian version, try using different veggies. Peas, spinach, or bell peppers can add color and taste. Just cook them along with the broccoli. You can also add plant-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. This keeps the dish creamy and cheesy, even without dairy. Your veggie lovers will enjoy this twist. For a gluten-free option, swap out elbow macaroni. Use gluten-free pasta instead. Many options are available, like rice or corn pasta. They work well in this dish. You’ll also need gluten-free flour for the roux. This helps thicken the cheese sauce. Just use the same amount as regular flour. Your mac and cheese will still be creamy and delicious. To store your leftover Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for about three to five days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat it on medium power for a few minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it in a pan on the stove. Just add a little milk and stir until warm. Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw frozen mac and cheese, take it out of the freezer and put it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add milk to keep it smooth and creamy. In the fridge, Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese lasts three to five days. In the freezer, it stays good for about three months. If you see any mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Also, if the texture changes a lot or it looks dry and hard, it might be time to discard it. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the pasta and broccoli. Then, make the cheese sauce. Combine everything but the breadcrumbs. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, heat it in a pot. Stir it well, then add the breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly and golden. This makes it easy for busy nights. You can use many pasta shapes instead of elbow macaroni. Some good options include: - Shells - Fusilli - Penne - Farfalle These shapes hold cheese sauce well. Each adds a fun twist to the dish. To add spice, consider these ideas: - Mix in jalapeños or red pepper flakes. - Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. - Add hot sauce to the cheese sauce. These options will give your dish a flavorful kick. Adjust the spice to match your taste. This recipe shows how to make creamy Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese. You need simple ingredients like pasta, broccoli, and cheese. I explained how to cook, mix, and bake everything perfectly. Remember to try different cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste. Use leftover tips to enjoy your meal later. I hope you feel inspired to make and share this dish. It’s a fun way to enjoy veggies and cheese in one bowl. Happy cooking!

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Mac Delight! This creamy and cheesy pasta dish combines tender elbow macaroni and fresh broccoli for a delicious twist on a classic favorite. In just 40 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how easy it is to make this cheesy delight at home!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden, creating a roux.

      Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to remove any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

        Add Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

          Combine: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.

            Prepare for Baking (optional): If you like a crispy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until coated.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

                  Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Mac Delight!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4