Description
This Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, vibrant steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and gruyere. Perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight meal, it balances indulgent flavors with a nutritious vegetable boost.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta and steam broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets on top of the pasta pot for 1-2 minutes if possible. Drain the pasta and blanch the broccoli, then set both aside.
- Make roux: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns golden and is fully combined, about 2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Prepare cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the 2% milk to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheeses and combine: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Fold in pasta and broccoli: Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni and steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli mac and cheese immediately while warm, enjoying its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Notes
- This healthier version of a family favorite is both hearty and comforting.
- Steaming broccoli on top of the pasta pot saves time and enhances flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables or protein for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 607 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 439 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
