Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese is a comforting and creamy dish that has become a staple in my home. With its delightful combination of tender broccoli and cheesy goodness, this oven-baked macaroni is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, it transforms leftover ingredients into a delicious dinner that everyone will love. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this family-friendly meal!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese

This Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese is not only a crowd-pleaser but also packed with nutrition. Here are a few reasons to savor this dish:

It combines the richness of cheese with the health benefits of broccoli, making it a nutritious choice.
The creamy texture is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
It’s an easy recipe that can be prepared in under an hour, perfect for busy families.
Leftovers make for a quick lunch the next day, enhancing its value.
This dish is vegetarian, appealing to those looking for meat-free meals.
The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.
It can easily be customized with add-ins like bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms.
This Homemade Broccoli Cheese Pasta Bake is a great way to introduce kids to vegetables.

Ingredients for Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese

Gather these items:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional add-ins: cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes

How to Make Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Blanch the broccoli florets in the same pot for 1–2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and quickly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy base. Add the cheddar in handfuls, stirring until smooth, then blend in Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine the pasta, broccoli, and sauce in a large bowl until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the pasta mixture for a crunchy crown. If you prefer, you can mix some grated cheese into the topping for an extra cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. If you like a crisper top, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so the topping doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Delicious Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese for Family Dinner - Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese

Keep these in mind:

This dish can be customized with various add-ins such as cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven for best texture; avoid the microwave if possible.
For a more intense flavor, consider using sharp cheddar cheese.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with:

Fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
Grilled chicken for added protein (if not strictly vegetarian).

How to Store and Reheat Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese

To store, let the Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This method helps retain the dish’s creamy texture. Perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese?

The secret to perfect Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese lies in the cheese sauce. Ensure the roux is cooked properly and add the cheese gradually for a smooth texture. Using a blend of cheeses can also enhance flavor.

Can I make Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it unbaked in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the cold refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese?

Avoid overcooking the pasta when boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Also, ensure the cheese sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta; this will prevent it from being too watery.

Variations of Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese You Can Try

There are many delightful variations to explore:

Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Broccoli – add more cheese to the sauce for an even cheesier experience.
Healthy Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese – substitute whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese for a lighter option.
One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Dish – prepare everything in a single pot for an easier clean-up.
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake Recipe – experiment with different cheeses like gouda or fontina for unique flavors.

For more delicious recipes, check out Homemade Tomato Sauce or Easy Avocado Toast Recipe. You can also explore Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil for a quick meal option.

Delicious Baked Broccoli Mac Cheese for Family Dinner

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Baked Broccoli Mac delivers creamy cheesy comfort with crisp edges. This quick prep meal transforms leftovers into tasty dinners.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional add-ins: cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Blanch the broccoli florets in the same pot for 1–2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and quickly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Add the cheddar in handfuls, stirring until smooth, then blend in Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Combine the pasta, broccoli, and sauce in a large bowl until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a crisper top.
Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.