Description
This Broccoli and Cheese Baked Macaroni is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious green bursts. It’s a comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then drain and set aside with the macaroni.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Broccoli and Cheese Baked Macaroni!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. You can also mix in other veggies like spinach or cauliflower for added nutrition.