Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is a cozy, family-friendly dish that combines tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh broccoli, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect way to sneak veggies into a classic comfort food favorite.
Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, crispy, and secretly light! A comfort food makeover loaded with broccoli and topped with a golden crust 🧀🥦
Why This Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese Is the Best
- Ultra Creamy Sauce: A smooth and velvety cheese sauce coats every bite.
- Golden Baked Top: Finished in the oven for a bubbly, crispy top layer.
- Hidden Veggies: Fresh broccoli is folded into the pasta for a nutrient boost.
- Perfectly Balanced: Rich and cheesy with just the right amount of texture and green.
- Comfort Food Classic: A dish that both kids and adults will happily devour.
It’s wholesome, satisfying, and makes the perfect cozy side or main—perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, potlucks, or when you’re just craving something warm and cheesy.
Ingredient Notes
- High Fiber Elbows: These provide the classic macaroni texture with added fiber for a healthier twist on comfort food.
- Butter: Starts the roux and adds richness to the cheese sauce.
- Minced Onion: Adds mild sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.
- Flour: Combines with butter to make a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Skim Milk: Lightens the sauce while still creating a creamy base.
- Fat Free Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor without added fat (vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version).
- Reduced-Fat Sharp Cheddar: Brings bold, cheesy flavor with less fat.
- Salt & Fresh Pepper: Essential to season and bring out the dish’s flavors.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds a nutritious boost and bright color, pairing perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps enhance the topping.
- Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Toast up golden and crisp for a crunchy baked topping.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor to the creamy base.
- Cook Broccoli Briefly: Steam or blanch broccoli just until tender to keep it vibrant.
- Stir the Sauce Constantly: To avoid lumps, whisk the cheese sauce until smooth.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Look for golden brown edges and a bubbling center.
- Add Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top for texture.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
- With Grilled Chicken: Adds protein and turns it into a full meal.
- With Hot Sauce or Mustard: A drizzle adds a flavorful kick.
- As a Side: Perfect next to meatloaf, baked fish, or holiday mains.
- With Extra Cheese: Stir in a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
A Must Try
This Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comfort. The broccoli adds freshness while the golden top brings a delicious crunch. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or holiday table—it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation!
Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, crispy, and secretly light! A comfort food makeover loaded with broccoli and topped with a golden crust 🧀🥦
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz high fiber elbows
- 1 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1 cup fat free chicken broth
- 8 oz 2 cups reduced-fat sharp cheddar
- 12 oz fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- salt and fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your pasta and broccoli. Cook them together, following the pasta package directions for al dente—or take them out about 2 minutes early if you like a firmer bite.
- While that’s cooking, lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for another minute, just until it turns a light golden color and blends in nicely.
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking as you go. Turn the heat up to medium-high and let it bubble away for around 5 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and thick. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Once the sauce has thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Now, add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the cheesy sauce and stir everything together until nicely coated.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle some extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top, then give it a quick spray of cooking spray to help it crisp up.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, then finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes to get that golden, crunchy topping. Enjoy!
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Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, crispy, and secretly light! A comfort food makeover loaded with broccoli and topped with a golden crust 🧀🥦