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Autumn Mac & Cheese with Broccoli

Autumn Mac & Cheese with Broccoli

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian (can be vegan with substitutions), Gluten Free option available

Description

Warm up with creamy Autumn Mac & Cheese with Broccoli, a cozy and comforting dish combining tender elbow macaroni, a rich cheddar cheese sauce, and vibrant broccoli florets. This recipe balances indulgence with nutrition, perfect for chilly evenings or sneaking vegetables into a kid-friendly meal. Easy to prepare from simple ingredients, it can be customized with various toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups warm milk or cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Gradually pour in the warm milk or cream while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season the sauce with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine and Bake: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce and stir until everything is thoroughly coated. For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  4. Add Toppings and Broil (Optional): If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, serve as a creamy stovetop mac and cheese without baking.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a tangy, melting finish.
  • Slightly undercook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Warm milk before adding to roux to prevent lumps and ensure smooth sauce.
  • Steam broccoli separately for a firmer texture if preferred.
  • Mix in cream cheese or goat cheese to enhance creaminess.
  • Frozen broccoli can be used; thaw or add during pasta cooking to avoid excess moisture.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or rice flour.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling, Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Autumn mac and cheese, broccoli mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, kid-friendly dinner, healthy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, vegetarian mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/autumn-mac-cheese-with-broccoli/