From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/5
Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until almost al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2
In a large pan over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3
Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4
Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
5
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce along with mustard and a splash of pasta water. Stir everything to combine.
6
Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed, then top with extra cheese.
7
Broil for a few minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve with additional Parmesan and black pepper on top.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Starch Your Sauce for Silky Texture 🥄Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining—the starch acts as a natural emulsifier that keeps your cheese sauce creamy and prevents it from breaking or becoming greasy when you add the cheese.
- Blanch Broccoli Separately for Perfect Texture 🥦Cook broccoli in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender-crisp, then shock in ice water to stop cooking; this ensures it stays vibrant and maintains its bite rather than turning mushy in the final dish.
- Build Your Cheese Sauce Low and Slow 🧀Keep your heat at medium-low when adding cheese to the cream sauce and stir constantly—high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily, while low heat ensures a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Broil with Distance for Even Browning 🔆Position your baking dish on the middle oven rack, 6-8 inches from the broiler element, and watch carefully for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden crust without burning; moving it too close risks scorching the top while leaving the interior cold.
- Mustard Enhances Cheese Flavor, Don't Omit 🟨The mustard acts as a flavor amplifier that deepens and brightens the cheese notes without making the dish taste tangy—even 1 teaspoon makes a noticeable difference in overall complexity and richness.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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