Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

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This Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a homemade classic I’ve made for years, always aiming for that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy comfort and family-approved flavor. After countless times making it from scratch, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe to get the taste and texture just right. Written with clarity and tested in my own kitchen, it’s a dependable dish you can feel confident serving any night of the week.

Top view of baked broccoli mac and cheese in casserole dish.

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Why We Love This Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Homemade comfort food: Cozy, cheesy, and so satisfying.
Simple ingredients: Basic ingredients you most likely have on hand is all you need.
Family-friendly and kid-approved: Everyone, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
Great make-ahead option: Make it ahead for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Perfect side or main dish: Serve this for holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients

Salted Butter
Unbleached All Purpose Flour
Milk
Salt
Black Pepper
Shredded Co-Jack Cheese
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cavatappi Pasta
Frozen Broccoli Florets

Substitution Suggestions

Salted Butter: Unsalted butter can be used, but I suggest tasting the cheese sauce to make sure it's seasoned well enough.
All Purpose Flour: You can use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat flour. The flour is used to make the roux and thicken the sauce so any of those types will work.
Milk: I use 2% cows milk, but you can use the milk you drink. Whole milk will make it more rich and creamier but still so good. If you want it even more rich you can substitute with some heavy cream or half and half.
Shredded Cheese: I like the combination of co-jack, sharp cheddar and parmesan. But you can use your favorite! White cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are delicious options to substitute with. For a more stretchy cheese sauce you can sub with some mozzarella.
Cavatappi Pasta: Any small to medium cut of pasta will work. Elbow macaroni, Small or Medium Shells, Cavatelli, or Gemelli are all great options.
Frozen Broccoli: Using frozen broccoli makes this recipe so much easier. However, you can use fresh broccoli. Add the florets to the boiling water with the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cook time. Then add the pasta and blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce and proceed with recipe.

Broccoli mac and cheese recipe ingredients.

How to Make Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Frist, preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Next, in a large pot of salted boiling water cook pasta one minute less than what package directions say for al dente.
In a large deep skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Then sprinkle in all purpose flour, salt and black pepper to make the roux. Let it cook for about 1 minute or so stirring a few times.
Next, slowly and gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps.

Butter and flour combined in large skillet to create roux.

Milk added to roux and coating orange spoon.

Let the sauce come up to a bubble and cook until it coats the back of spoon. This takes about 4-5 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, add a handful of shredded cheese and whisk it well until it has melted. Then continue adding the cheese one handful at a time whisking until fully melted and combined. Then remove sauce from heat.

Cooked pasta and frozen broccoli added to cheese sauce.

Now add the drained cooked pasta and frozen broccoli to the cheese sauce or vice versa. Stir it together until everything is coated in sauce and evenly combined.
Add the mac and cheese to prepared baking dish and spread it out into and layer.

Mac and cheese spread out in 9x13 casserole dish.

Lastly, bake the broccoli mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is slightly golden brown.
Serve as main dish or side dish and enjoy!!

Pro Tip: If you want a crunchy topping, combine ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle it over the top of the mac and cheese before baking.

What to Serve with Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

This homemade mac and cheese is delicious as an entree or side dish. Here are some of our favorite things to enjoy with it either way!

BBQ Meatloaf
Corn Flake Chicken Tenders
Crock Pot Honey Ham
Tomato Cucumber and Basil Salad
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes (my kids put the mac and cheese right on top!)

We love mac and cheese in the house! My other go-to mac and cheese recipe is this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. So easy, creamy and cheesy!

Storing Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Storing: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating: This is best the day it's made, but it also reheats fairly well. When reheating add a splash of milk to make it creamy again. Reheat over the stove on low heat, in the oven on low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: Freeze the mac and cheese in freezer safe airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Close up top view of spoonful of broccoli mac and cheese being served out of casserole dish.

Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe

This is my favorite deep skillet. It's large enough to stir it all together in the skillet.
I've had my Rachael Ray pots and pans since my wedding in 2010 and I love them. They've held up great and they're affordable.
I love Pyrex baking dishes and CorningWare baking dishes.
These glass measuring cups from Pyrex are my favorite to use when measuring liquids!
A simple box grater is perfect for shredding your own cheese.

Tips for Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Don't overboil your pasta. Cook it for one minute less than what the al dente instructions say. It will continue to cook in the oven as it bakes.
Shred and grate your own cheese. It will melt easier and create a better texture in the sauce. The pre-shredded cheese does not melt well and can leave a grainy texture.
Go easy on the salt. There is salted butter and cheese in this recipe so don't add too much extra salt.
For a crunchy topping, combine ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle it over the top of the mac and cheese before baking.
The recipe can easily be divided in half and baked in a 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish.
Bake the mac and cheese in individual dishes or ramekins for a fun way to serve your family.
For a stove top version, cook the mac and cheese on the stove until the broccoli is warmed through and then serve.

FAQs

What is a good addition to mac and cheese?

In this recipe we are adding broccoli but you could add other veggies like peas, cauliflower or a mixed vegetable blend. You could also add some cooked protein like chopped ham, diced chicken or a few cans of drained tuna.

Can you use any pasta for macaroni and cheese?

The best pasta to use for mac and cheese is one that is going to allow the cheese sauce to stick to the pasta and get in all the nooks and crannies. Pastas like Cavatappi, Elbow, and Shells are great choices.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prep the mac and cheese and cover it tightly with plastic wrap, foil or a lid. Take the dish out to come to room temperature as the oven preheats. Then bake as recipe states.

Top view of baked broccoli mac and cheese with serving spoon in it.

More Baked Pasta Recipes:

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