This Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Broccoli is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and al dente pasta, all baked together until golden and bubbly. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will make a great addition to any meal. With three different kinds of cheese—cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella—this dish is rich, savory, and full of cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for dinner or as a side dish for a family meal, and it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into a comforting pasta dish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 13 oz (370 g) macaroni
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 small-medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup (115 g) Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup (85 g) Gouda cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup (85 g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons (30 g) flour
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) butter
- 4 cups (1 L) milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Cheese:
- In a large bowl, combine all the shredded cheeses (cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella). Set aside for later use.
3. Cook the Broccoli and Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until soft but not overcooked. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the macaroni to al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low-medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and whisk constantly over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes until the mixture becomes golden in color.
5. Gradually Add Milk:
- Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Season the Sauce:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
7. Add the Cheese to the Sauce:
- Gradually add 3/4 of the cheese mixture to the sauce, whisking until the cheese is fully melted after each addition. This will create a creamy cheese sauce.
8. Combine Pasta and Broccoli:
- Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix everything well to combine, ensuring that the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
9. Bake:
- Transfer the mixture into a 12-inch (30 cm) round baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 of the cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve warm as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Side Dish: This cheesy baked macaroni and broccoli pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to make it an even more comforting and filling meal.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure it’s al dente (firm to the bite) when you drain it to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Adjust cheese types: Feel free to adjust the types of cheese used in this recipe to your preference. Gruyère, fontina, or parmesan can also work well.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce if you like a bit of heat in your dish.
Variations to Try
- Add More Vegetables: Add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
- Use Different Pasta: Try other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a variation in shape.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk) to make a vegan version of this dish.
Nutritional Benefits
This cheesy baked macaroni and broccoli dish offers a good amount of protein and calcium from the cheese and milk. The broccoli adds fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, making this dish a nutritious and satisfying meal. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the butter and cheese provide healthy fats. While it’s a rich dish, it can be balanced with a side salad or light protein for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender vegetables, and pasta in a bubbly, golden bake. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Simple to make and full of flavor, this is a recipe that will become a household favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes when reheating.
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Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese. Gouda, Gruyère, or even cream cheese would work wonderfully.
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How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
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Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze this macaroni and broccoli bake. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
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Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free. The taste and texture will be just as delicious!