Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Easy Baked Recipe) + Video

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. Try this yummy spin on homemade mac and cheese! 

I love this easy broccoli mac because it’s a great way to get the entire family to add some more veggies to their day.

The tender pasta paired with the small florets of broccoli creates a yummy taste for all to enjoy.  It’s one of my favorite main dish options that produces total comfort food! 

The next time that the kids as for traditional mac and cheese, make this healthier broccoli mac instead.

Not only is it a one-pot broccoli mac recipe, meaning less clean-up and work, but the simple ingredients make cheesy perfection in every bite. 

And the added broccoli florets do a great job of adding health benefits to every bowl of mac!

This means that you don’t even have to make a side dish to pair with this great recipe. Easy peasy, mac and cheesy! 

For the full directions, check out the printable recipe card below! 

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.

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 pasta shells, but they will need to simmer for a few extra minutes of cook time. If you change and use other pasta options, cook them until they are tender. 
  
• 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 cheese or a little Gruyère instead?
  
  Even some Monterey Jack would be good! I also love to add some parmesan cheese on top of the mac! 
  
• 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.
  
  You can also use fresh broccoli but it will be a harder texture. 
  
• 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.
  
  Other options could be garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, or anything else that you’re craving. 
  
• 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 (or make sure to buy pre-shredded cheese at the store) 
• 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 of cheddar cheese 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

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published May 2021, updated and republished February 2025

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