🥦🧀 You Had Me at Cheese…
Okay, but who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of mac & cheese? Add in some tender broccoli florets and a cheesy sauce that hugs every piece of pasta? YES PLEASE. This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe is what cozy dreams are made of. It’s giving Panera-in-a-bread-bowl energy—but made in your own kitchen and way cheesier. 😍
This one’s a total weeknight hero. It comes together in under 30 minutes, all in just a couple of pots, and it’s so creamy, savory, and satisfying you’ll forget it’s loaded with veggies. (Hey, we love balance!)
Let’s dig in, shall we?
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese magic to life:
- ½ lb pasta (elbow, shells, or cavatappi work great!)
- 3 oz broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Olive oil (just a drizzle)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for tang and depth!)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika – season to your heart’s content
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
🍲 Step-by-Step: How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
1. Boil the Pasta + Broccoli
Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water. A few minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook together. This saves time and dishes—my kind of cooking!
Drain the pasta and broccoli, but don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s liquid gold for the sauce.
2. Build That Flavor Base
In a large pan, melt the butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle until it’s nice and fragrant—about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will already start to smell incredible.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir. Then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let it come to a gentle simmer. This is where the coziness begins. 😌
Once bubbling, stir in your cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Then swirl in the Dijon mustard—it adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dish.
4. Bring It All Together
Now, gently fold in the pasta and broccoli. Add some of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce is creamy, glossy, and clings perfectly to each noodle. The starch helps the sauce thicken and emulsify.
5. Broil for the Golden Finish
If you want to take it next level (and we always do), transfer your mac to an oven-safe dish, top with a little more cheddar and parm, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown on top. Trust me—it’s worth the extra step!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Texture: Thanks to the mix of three cheeses and heavy cream.
- Hidden Veggies: Perfect for picky eaters (big and small).
- Customizable: Use any cheese combo you like, swap broccoli for spinach or peas, or add protein!
- Comfort in a Bowl: Like a warm hug on a busy weeknight.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese
- Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. A few minutes in boiling water keeps it vibrant and tender, not mushy.
- Dijon is your secret weapon. A spoonful makes the cheese taste even cheesier. Wild, but true.
🧀 Make It a Bread Bowl (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
Okay okay—you could stop there… but if you’re really going for that iconic comfort food moment, serve your mac inside a toasted sourdough bread bowl. Carve out the center, bake the shell for 5-7 minutes at 375°F, and ladle your creamy pasta right in. You won’t regret it.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
This dish reheats like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until smooth again. Microwave works too—just don’t skip the splash of liquid!
💬 Let’s Talk Mac
What’s your favorite mac & cheese upgrade? Hot sauce? Breadcrumb topping? Bacon bits? Leave a comment below or tag me @KeiraRecipes if you make this one—I LOVE seeing your cheesy creations!
Until next time, keep it cozy and carb-y 🧀💛
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