Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish combining tender macaroni, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a crispy top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A family-friendly comfort food that sneaks in vegetables.
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Make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
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Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or leftovers.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
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Broccoli florets, lightly steamed
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Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Parmesan cheese
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Milk
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Butter
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All-purpose flour
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Garlic powder, mustard powder (optional)
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Salt and black pepper
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Breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
directions
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Cook pasta until just al dente and drain.
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Steam broccoli until just tender.
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In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk.
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Simmer until thickened, then stir in cheeses and seasonings.
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Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
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Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier dish.
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Substitute broccoli with spinach, peas, or cauliflower.
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Use a cheese blend such as mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
storage/reheating
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheat in oven or microwave with a splash of milk to retain creaminess.
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Freeze before baking if preparing in advance.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before adding to prevent excess moisture.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix with mozzarella or Gruyère for more complexity.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Cook over medium heat and stir constantly—do not boil once cheese is added.
Can I add protein to this?
Yes—shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or ham work well.
Should I cover it while baking?
Bake uncovered for a golden top. Cover if it browns too quickly.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes—assemble, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes—penne, shells, or fusilli all work well.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes. Assemble and freeze unbaked for best results. Thaw before baking.
Conclusion
This creamy broccoli mac and cheese bake is a reliable and satisfying dish for all ages. Balanced between indulgent and nourishing, it’s a smart choice for make-ahead dinners
PrintCreamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Bake
A comforting baked mac and cheese dish loaded with tender broccoli and coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining classic flavors with a nutritious twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and melted.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce and mix until well combined.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor or mix in Gruyère for richness.
- Breadcrumb topping adds texture but can be omitted for a smoother finish.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—just thaw and drain before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, broccoli bake, creamy pasta, vegetarian dinner, cheesy casserole
or crowd-pleasing casseroles.
