Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese + Video
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the best way to enjoy a comfort food meal and get your serving of veggies too. Everything cooks in the same pan in just 20 minutes so you can serve up a healthy meal on the busiest of nights.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Some recipes are so simple and delicious that they become regular rotations, and this broccoli mac and cheese bake is no exception!
Loaded with veggies and plenty of ooey gooey cheese, this one pan mac and cheese with broccoli is baked for just a few minutes to make everything extra melty.
Recipe Video
To see us make mac and cheese with broccoli from start to finish, watch the video in this post!
Need to use up some extra broccoli? It’s the star of this crunchy salad with a creamy dressing.
Hawaiian Pasta is just as filling as broccoli mac and cheese, but with a combination of ham and pineapple that tastes exactly like the pizza.
Or, stick with more classic cheese and broccoli pairings, whether it’s soup, casserole, or these quinoa power bites!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Pasta – It wouldn’t be macaroni and cheese with broccoli without the macaroni! Smooth or ridged, as long as they are elbows, they’ll work!
Shells are the best alternative because they have a similar cooking time.
Bowtie, rotini, or cavatappi are other great options, but they will need to simmer for a few extra minutes. - Cheese – Mild cheddar isn’t as bold as sharp, so it won’t overwhelm the flavor of the veggies. Grab a high-quality brand if you can.
However, you can play with different types of cheese as long as they melt easily. Maybe a blend of white and sharp cheddar, or a little Gruyère instead? - Frozen Broccoli – I always seem to have a bag in the freezer, making mac and cheese with broccoli the perfect choice for a weeknight meal.
- Seasonings – Of course, salt and pepper are a must! I also like to add a little chipotle chili powder for some heat.
Paprika is a good alternative if you’re sensitive to spice, while dried mustard and nutmeg are popular choices as well. - Flour – Combine this with a little extra milk to help thicken the broccoli mac and cheese bake. You can use cornstarch if you prefer.
Prep Ahead
- Shred cheese
- Bring milk to room temp
- Make flour slurry
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
- Bring the milk to room temperature.
While you don’t need to heat it directly, it helps to measure it out and let it sit on the counter while you prep everything else.
This will remove the chill and prevent any lumps when added to the pan.
- Skip the bagged shreds.
These have additives to keep everything from sticking together but also prevent the shreds from melting properly.
I grate a whole block at a time, store it in a zip-top bag, and it lasts for several weeks in the fridge.
- Feeding a crowd?
As long as your pot is large enough, you can easily double this broccoli mac and cheese recipe for more servings.
Be sure it’s wider than it is deep, or the noodles won’t cook evenly.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Dutch Oven or Large, Deep Skillet that can go from stovetop straight to the oven!
- Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this broccoli mac and cheese recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
- Mason Jar – I absolutely love these and use them for storing, prepping, as drinking glasses, and especially for canning.
Serving Suggestions
Considering the pasta, dairy, and veggies, you can consider mac and cheese with broccoli a full meal!
That said, it also makes a delicious side to any meat, from chicken and pork to steaks and roasts.
If you need to keep your meal strictly vegetarian, try some roasted potatoes, a garden salad, or plenty of garlic bread!
Storing and Reheating Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk as needed for moisture.
Or, spread macaroni and cheese with broccoli into a greased baking dish with extra liquid, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Bake FAQ
Yes, but I recommend steaming the florets in the microwave first. Stir it in just before the mac and cheese with broccoli is baked so they don’t become too soft or fall apart.
Not at all! It cooks right in the liquid with this recipe, thanks to the extra milk, making it a true one pan meal. Fewer dishes to wash — hooray!!
You bet! Throw in some rotisserie or leftover chicken and you have a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Crispy bacon pieces are another favorite, or really indulge with some carnitas! Whichever you choose, have it cooked ahead of time and stir into the pan just before it goes in the oven.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese + Video
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle chile pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 cups whole milk, + 2 tablespoons
- 8 ounces dried elbow macaroni
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 12 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high; add butter, chipotle pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add 3 cups of milk, then cover.
- Once the milk starts bubbling add macaroni. Allow to bubble for 4-5 minutes, until pasta is almost cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli and stir to combine. Bubble for 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a resealable jar create slurry; combine 2 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons flour. Shake until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to broil. Stir in 8 ounces cheese. Add slurry. Stir to combine. Sprinkle with the remaining 4 ounces of cheese. Place under broiler for 2-4 minutes until cheese is melted and golden browned.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published May 2021, updated and republished March 2024
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Hi, It's a pleasure to meet you! This looks great!
I am so gonna make this for my hubby. One skillet dinner! He's been asking for Mac & Cheese for ages. At least this one doesn't seem daunting.
These all look great! I saw that Mac and Cheese on FoodGawker and it was love at first sight.
It is love in a skillet. Let us know if you make it and how it goes.
I'm just dying over that cheesy mac and cheese! I love that it's a one-skillet meal too!
Thanks darlin'! My daughter is just crazy about this. Let us know if you try it and how it goes.
Tried the 20 min Mac & Cheese w Broccoli in one pot tonight. It was so easy & delicious. Thank you for the recipes. I'll be making more of what you post.
Awesome! So happy you loved it. Look forward to hearing more about your kitchen adventures.
Best,
Donna
I like the sound of the Mac and Cheese with Broccoli and the other recipes look good. Pinning to look back at!!
As usual, Donna, a really wonderful recipe! It's definitely making an appearance on my table this week.
Yay Candace! I can't wait to hear how it goes. Enjoy.
The 12 oz of cheddar cheese – is that measured before or after shredding??
I love broccoli and cheddar soup, but have never thought to put it in mac and cheese. It came out amazing!