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    Home » Recipes » Gourmet Mac & Cheese

    Broccoli Mac and Cheese

    Published on January 19, 2020 - Updated on January 22, 2022 by Chef Rodney - Leave a Comment - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Never thought I would ever think of adding Broccoli to my Mac & Cheese but here you go! With a bit of a kick from the Cayenne and Paprika.
    broccoli mac cheese

    I was in the mood for some good Mac & Cheese today but wasn't sure what kind to make. I was standing in the kitchen and I guess I had that "look" when my wife reminded me that we had some broccoli in the fridge that I needed to use before it went bad. So here you have it. My Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe!

    broccoli mac cheese

    You all know how much I love my Mac & Cheese. I mean I have a whole category of recipes dedicated to Gourmet Mac & Cheese recipes. And I must say, they are all delicious! My Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is super easy to make.

    broccoli mac cheese

    This Mac & Cheese tastes just like... Broccoli coated in melted cheese! Good thing it's a Broccoli Mac & Cheese or I would be in the trouble. The cayenne and paprika give this Mac & Cheese a little bit of a kick. I find the combination of sharp cheddar cheese, broccoli and spices make this one of the more interesting Mac and Cheese recipes I've made.

    broccoli mac cheese

    💭 What is Al Dente

    When making Mac and Cheese, it's important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term "al dente", it means cooking the pasta so it's still chewy and form and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.

    broccoli mac cheese

    🌡️ Is this Mac and Cheese Spicy

    Depends. If you eat a lot of spicy food as I do, no this dish is not spicy. But if you aren't used to eating spicy food, you might find the cayenne and paprika a little too much. You can safely leave out those two spices without affecting the overall flavor of this dish.

    broccoli mac cheese

    An alternative to using chicken broth is Better Than Bouillon. I often use it when I don't have broth on-hand.

    broccoli mac cheese

    For more great recipes like this one, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • Copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
    • Broccoli Cheese Tortellini Bake
    • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    • Low and Slow Mac and Cheese
    • Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese

    📋 What ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Broccoli Mac & Cheese recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Macaroni, Broccoli Florets, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, All Purpose Flour, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Whole Milk, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Dijon Mustard and Ground Black Pepper.

    🥣 How to make Broccoli Mac and Cheese

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for five minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for four minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the broccoli is just tender. Drain and return to the pot.
    Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the oil and butter until it melts. Add the onions and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add in the all purpose flour, cayenne pepper and paprika. Whisk until the roux bubbles up.
    Whisk in the milk and chicken broth and bring to a quick boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens about 3 to 5 minutes.
    Add the cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until melted. Stir in the mustard and season the sauce mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
    Combine the pasta and cheese mixture and toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving dish and serve.

    broccoli mac cheese

    Broccoli Mac and Cheese

    Never thought I would ever think of adding Broccoli to my Mac & Cheese but here you go! With a bit of a kick from the Cayenne and Paprika.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 406 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb Macaroni
    • 2 ½ Cups Broccoli Florets
    • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
    • 1 small Yellow Onion, finely chopped
    • 3 tablespoon All Purpose Flour
    • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
    • ½ teaspoon Paprika
    • 3 cups Whole Milk
    • 1 Cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
    • 3 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
    • Ground Black Pepper
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    Instructions
     

    • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for five minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for four minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the broccoli is just tender. Drain and return to the pot.
    • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the oil and butter until it melts. Add the onions and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the all purpose flour, cayenne pepper and paprika. Whisk until the roux bubbles up.
    • Whisk in the milk and chicken broth and bring to a quick boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Add the cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until melted. Stir in the mustard and season the sauce mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Combine the pasta and cheese mixture and toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving dish and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 406kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 277mgPotassium: 333mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 761IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 349mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

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    Hi! I'm Rodney and welcome to my blog. I am a foodie and self-taught cook. After years of experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to share some of my favorite recipes with you. Read More →

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