Cheesy Broccoli Mac – The Ultimate Comfort Food
This cheesy broccoli mac is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, rich, and packed with gooey cheese. The combination of tender macaroni, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce makes this dish an instant favorite. Whether served as a cozy weeknight meal or a side for gatherings, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 13 oz 370 g macaroni
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets
- 1 small-medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 cup 115 g Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup 85 g Gouda cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup 85 g Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons 30 g flour
- 4 tablespoons 60 g butter
- 4 cups 1 L milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce – In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Thicken the sauce – Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Melt the cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in Cheddar, Gouda, and Mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine everything – Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Serve hot – Enjoy as is, or add a crunchy breadcrumb topping and bake for a crispy finish!
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.
- Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.