From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until almost al dente.
2
A few minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Cook together until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
3
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
4
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5
Add flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
6
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens.
7
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
8
Stir in cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella until melted and smooth.
9
Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce along with a splash of pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and evenly coats the pasta.
10
Mix in the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella for extra cheesiness. Optional: transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden on top.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water for Silky Sauce 💧Save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—add it gradually to your béchamel to achieve a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every noodle without becoming gluey.
- Toast Your Garlic in Butter First 🧈Bloom minced fresh garlic in melted butter for 30-60 seconds before adding flour to build deeper flavor and prevent raw garlic bitterness in your sauce.
- Blend Your Cheeses Strategically 🧀Add mozzarella first to the hot sauce for creaminess, then stir in sharp cheddar at the end off-heat to preserve its bold flavor and prevent it from becoming grainy or separated.
- Blanch Broccoli Separately for Perfect Texture 🥦Cook broccoli for just 2-3 minutes in salted boiling water before adding to the mac—this ensures crisp-tender florets that won't turn mushy when combined with the hot sauce.
- Use Mustard Powder Sparingly for Complexity ✨Start with just ¼ teaspoon of mustard powder and taste as you go—it amplifies cheese flavor and adds subtle warmth without making the dish taste obviously mustardy.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
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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