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Quick 30-Minute Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Bake

A close-up of a serving of baked broccoli cheddar pasta with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping.
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Make this cheesy, creamy Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Bake. It is a simple comfort food classic loaded with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar, ready fast for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the drained macaroni and broccoli to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat everything.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. If using, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Notes

  • For a smoother soup-like texture in the sauce, you can blend half of the sauce mixture before adding the pasta.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor in this cheesy pasta dish.
  • You can skip the baking step and serve this immediately as a stovetop mac and cheese for a quicker meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/broccoli-cheddar-mac-cheese-bake/