Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This classic mac and cheese recipe includes a whole head of nutritious broccoli and is topped with panko crumbs for an irresistible crunch.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broccoli mac and cheese

Servings: people

Author: Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Cut the broccoli florets off the stalk and chop to roughly match the size of macaroni. 5 minutes before the macaroni is cooked add the chopped broccoli to the same pot. Once cooked, drain in a colander and return to the pot.
While the pasta and broccoli cooking make the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, blend in flour with a wire whisk. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring the entire time. The mixture will turn yellow and start to smell pleasantly nutty. Now add the milk gradually while stirring to avoid lumps, allow the sauce to thicken for 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in the grated cheese and allow it to melt and fully incorporate into the sauce. Add salt to taste. (Don't forget the salt!)
Make the breadcrumb topping by melting the butter in a microwave, then pour the melted butter into the breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder. Set aside till needed.
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and broccoli, stir to coat and salt to taste one more time. Turn out the broccoli macaroni and cheese into a buttered baking dish (at least 3.5-4 Quart/3.5-4 L capacity). Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping all over and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. (Baking it longer will only dry out the sauce!)

This recipe can be served unbaked as well.
Be careful not to over bake. It will only take 10 minutes for the breadcrumbs to crisp. Any longer and the pasta will begin to absorb the sauce.
I like to use mature (aged) cheddar for a stronger flavour, but this means the sauce is a bit less creamy. A less mature cheddar can be substituted if you prefer a creamier mac and cheese.
If you feel it needs a bit more flavour add more salt, not more cheese!