Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Mac and cheese with broccoli is a classic dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require too much effort to make, but it results in a delicious and hearty meal. This recipe will show you how to prepare mac and cheese with broccoli in a few simple steps. It’s easy enough for anyone to make – even beginner cooks – and the flavor combinations are sure to please your family or guests.
To begin making mac and cheese with broccoli, the first step is to gather all of the necessary ingredients. You will need macaroni elbows, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, broccoli florets and breadcrumbs. Start by placing 8 ounces of macaroni elbows into boiling water on the stovetop over medium heat and follow package instructions for cook time. Make sure not to overcook them. Add the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking and drain.
While the macaroni elbows and broccoli florets are cooking on the stovetop, melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in two tablespoons of flour until light brown and then slowly whisk in two cups of milk until combined. Turn up heat just slightly and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet mixture along with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and onion powder – stirring continuously until all ingredients are incorporated evenly throughout the mixture. Once everything has come together, add the drained macaroni and broccoli into the cheese sauce, stir for about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl sprinkle breadcrumbs liberally across top.
Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 8 ounce elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 2 tbsp butter salted
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs for topping
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking and drain.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, onion powder, salt and pepper. Add the milk and stir until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese, continue stirring, over low medium heat until completely melted, about 2 minutes.
- Add drained macaroni and broccoli into the cheese sauce, stir for about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over mac and cheese.
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Cooking mac and cheese with broccoli at home is a popular and delicious dish that many people enjoy. The creamy combination of the pasta and cheese, combined with the crunchiness of the broccoli, makes for a meal that not only tastes amazing but can be made in a variety of different ways. Not only is this dish quick to make but it’s also easily adaptable to accommodate everyone’s individual tastes.
The addition of spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder add even more flavor to the dish and make it even more delicious. Even if you don’t consider yourself an experienced cook, preparing mac and cheese with broccoli at home is relatively easy, as there are several pre-made mixes available that can help speed up the process by allowing you to simply add water and butter.
Plus, it requires very few ingredients which means that you don’t need a lot of money or time to prepare it. As if all these benefits weren’t enough, making this dish at home also helps save money since dining out can often be expensive. All in all, cooking mac and cheese at home with broccoli is one way that you can whip up an enjoyable meal while still saving time and money – no wonder so many people love it!
