Ultimate Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese: The Best Mac ‘N’ Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Try
Author:Emily
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional but recommended for tang)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.