There’s something magical about the aroma of bubbly cheese wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the crisp, earthy scent of freshly cooked broccoli. Picture this: a cozy afternoon with the faint sound of rain tapping against the window, and in the oven, a dish of Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese is coming to life. The cheese sauce, golden and inviting, coats every macaroni nook and cranny, promising a delightfully creamy bite with a satisfying crunch of panko on top.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This recipe takes me back to my childhood, where after school, nothing felt better than mom’s comforting mac and cheese waiting for me. I remember how I always helped her add the cheese, excitedly pulling at the stretchy strings, giggling with each bite. It’s a comforting dish that transforms any meal into something special, perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight treat. So, grab your favorite pasta, and let’s create this nostalgic dish together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy goodness brings happiness to every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden panko topping adds texture and a visual feast.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, a potluck, or even a comforting snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt for gluten-free pasta or plant-based cheese!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Macaroni: You’ll want about 16 ounces of macaroni—elbow shape classic for that optimal cheesy experience. If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to swap in any pasta shape you love, like shells or cavatappi.

Broccoli: A whole head of broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces, adds not only nutrition but also a beautiful green contrast. If fresh isn’t on hand, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch!

Butter: Use unsalted butter for the sauce and topping; it helps control the saltiness. You can swap for olive oil or vegan butter if preferred.

Flour: All-purpose flour thickens our cheese sauce. For a gluten-free version, consider using a cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.

Whole Milk: You’ll need 2¼ cups of whole milk for a rich sauce. Almond milk or any other non-dairy milk can substitute, but ensure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.

Mature Cheddar: Aged cheddar is key for maximum flavor—about 12 ounces, grated. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different twist.

Salt: This simple ingredient enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip it, and adjust according to your taste.

Panko Breadcrumbs: About ½ cup for that delightful crunch on top. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko adds an extra bite.

Garlic Powder: Just one teaspoon will elevate the flavor of your breadcrumb topping.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni according to the package instructions, about 7-8 minutes. Remember, you want it just al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven!

Chop and Add Broccoli: While the macaroni is cooking, chop the broccoli florets to be about the same size as the macaroni. As the pasta nears the end of its cooking time, add the chopped broccoli to the pot, allowing it to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Drain them together and return to the pot. The vibrant green will add color, flavor, and a healthy touch!

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and smells nutty. Gradually pour in 2¼ cups of whole milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens—about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 3 cups of grated cheddar, and season with salt. The sauce should be velvety smooth and completely cheesy!

Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: Melt an additional tablespoon of salted butter in the microwave. Combine this with ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder until evenly coated. Set this aside for now; the topping will bring a delightful crunch.

Combine and Transfer: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the macaroni and broccoli in the pot, stirring well to coat every piece. Taste and adjust saltiness if needed! Transfer the mixture to a generously buttered baking dish, at least 3.5-4 quarts in size, ensuring an even layer for baking.

Top and Bake: Sprinkle the garlic panko topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Place in your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it; you want that perfect golden crust without drying out the sauce!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Note that the texture may change slightly, but a splash of milk can refresh the creaminess!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be just underdone since it will continue to cook in the oven.
For extra creaminess, reserve a bit of pasta cooking water to stir into the cheese sauce if it thickens too much.
Feel free to mix up the cheese! Combine cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bold twist.
If you like a tangy flavor, add a dash of mustard powder or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce before baking.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the wrap, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then pop it in the oven.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes! You can use any cheese you like—just ensure to balance flavors. Creamy cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese will work well. For a sharper taste, try using Gruyère or a mix of your favorites.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the macaroni for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for your cheese sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

What sides pair well with Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

This dish is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Just bring in textures and flavors to complement the creaminess of the mac and cheese.

Indulging in a serving of this Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. Not only does it blend comfort and nutrition, but it also invites memories of love and laughter from the kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures and make it your own. Can’t wait for you to enjoy every delicious bite!