Description
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a potluck. It features tender pasta, broccoli florets, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups medium shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than al dente
- 2 cups diced fresh broccoli
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven and blanch broccoli: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain well.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine with cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Bake: Pour mixture into an 11×7 inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and panko bread crumbs. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly less than al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Use medium heat for the sauce to prevent scalding.
- Shredding your cheese will help it melt more evenly.
- If you don’t want a crispy topping, add the cheese and breadcrumbs 5 minutes before the end of the baking time.
- You can prep the cheese and broccoli ahead of time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
