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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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 –6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Melt the cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in Cheddar, Gouda, and Mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.