Description
A comforting and creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe featuring tender macaroni and fresh broccoli florets enveloped in a rich aged cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a garlicky buttery Panko breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. This dish combines classic comfort food elements with a nutritious vegetable twist, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 500g / 16 oz macaroni
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 500ml / 2¼ cups whole milk
- 360g / 3 cups (12 oz) mature (aged) cheddar, grated
- Salt to taste
Breadcrumb Topping
- 60g / 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) while the macaroni cooks.
- Add the Broccoli: Five minutes before the macaroni finishes cooking, add the chopped broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain both the pasta and broccoli in a colander once tender and return them to the pot.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns yellow and smells nutty. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: Melt 1 tablespoon of salted butter in the microwave, then combine it with the Panko breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and broccoli in the pot and stir to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish (3.5-4 quart capacity). Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Avoid baking longer to prevent drying out the sauce.
Notes
- Using aged cheddar enhances the sharpness and depth of flavor in the cheese sauce.
- Adding broccoli provides a nutritious boost and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the cheese sauce creamy and prevent dryness.
- Feel free to substitute Panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, but the texture and flavor may vary.
