If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that perfect little boost of green from the broccoli that makes it feel a bit fresher and healthier. I’ve made this countless times, and honestly, it’s become one of my family’s go-to dinners when we want something cozy but still a little bit wholesome.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced flavors: The sharpness of cheddar and nuttiness of gruyere make the sauce rich without overpowering the broccoli.
Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a last-minute weeknight meal.
Family friendly: My kids love sneaking extra broccoli in this way—they don’t even realize it’s there!
Comfort food with a twist: Classic mac and cheese gets an upgrade with fresh broccoli, making it more nutritious and satisfying.

The image shows two white bowls filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with green broccoli florets. The macaroni is light yellow and covered in a smooth cheese sauce, and the broccoli adds a fresh pop of green color. One white bowl is slightly in front of the other, both placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the bowls is a wrapped package of Danish Creamery butter sitting on a white cloth with thin black lines. There are also a few dry uncooked elbow macaroni scattered on the surface near the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Broccoli Mac and Cheese, creamy broccoli mac and cheese, easy broccoli pasta dish, healthy mac and cheese, cheesy broccoli casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe really starts with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create that unbeatable creamy, cheesy sauce bursting with flavor. I always recommend using fresh broccoli and real cheese for the best taste.

Flat lay of elbow macaroni scattered neatly, three vibrant green broccoli florets, a stick of salted butter with a few small slices cut, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with creamy 2% milk, a tiny white bowl holding smooth, pale yellow Dijon mustard, two whole uncracked brown eggs, coarse salt crystals and freshly ground black pepper sprinkled artistically on the surface, a small white bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and another small white bowl with shredded gruyere cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Broccoli Mac and Cheese, creamy broccoli mac and cheese, easy broccoli pasta dish, healthy mac and cheese, cheesy broccoli casserole

Elbow macaroni: Classic choice for mac and cheese; it’s perfectly sized to trap the cheesy sauce inside.
Salted butter: Adds richness; if you only have unsalted, just adjust the salt in the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Used to make the roux, the base that thickens your cheese sauce beautifully.
2% milk: Keeps the sauce creamy but not too heavy—whole milk works fine if you prefer it richer.
Dijon mustard: A secret weapon that brightens the cheese flavor and adds subtle depth.
Salt and pepper: Always season to taste; it brings out all the flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that signature mac and cheese tang.
Shredded gruyere cheese: Adds a lovely nutty, creamy character that makes this dish extra special.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best! Steamed briefly so it stays tender but keeps a little crunch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe is super adaptable — you can tweak it to fit what’s in your fridge or your dietary needs without losing any of that homey goodness.

Make it gluten-free: I swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend once, and it thickened just as nicely for a friend with gluten sensitivity.
Switch up the veggies: Sometimes I add cauliflower or roasted red peppers alongside broccoli for extra color and flavor.
Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can take this from classic to bold in no time.
Vegan version: I experimented with dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk — results were great, just make sure to use a thickening agent like cornstarch.

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta and steam the broccoli

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—seasoning the water well is key here because it seasons the pasta itself. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). While the pasta cooks, place your broccoli florets in a steamer basket or, if you’re clever like me, hold them on top of the pasta pot with a steamer insert for 1-2 minutes to brighten and soften them just right. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and briefly blanch the broccoli in cold water to keep its vibrant color. Set both aside.

Step 2: Make the roux-based cheese sauce

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour to form a roux. The key is to cook this mixture until it’s just golden and smells nutty, about 2 minutes—this step removes the raw flour taste and thickens your sauce beautifully. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly so no lumps form. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens nicely—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. When the sauce is creamy and velvety, turn off the heat.

Step 3: Add cheeses and combine everything

Now for the fun part: stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheese until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Then fold in your cooked pasta and broccoli, making sure everything is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. This step is when you’ll want to taste and adjust the seasoning one last time. Serve immediately for that gooey, comforting goodness that everyone loves.

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Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t skip the mustard: Dijon adds brightness that cuts through the richness, making the cheese sauce taste more complex and less heavy.
Steam broccoli just right: Slightly undercook your broccoli to maintain texture and vibrant green color—it keeps the dish fresh and lively.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly, so freshly shredded creates the creamiest sauce.
Avoid overcooking the sauce: Once cheese is added, heat gently to prevent separation and keep that velvety texture.

How to Serve Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with macaroni pasta mixed with bright green broccoli pieces. The macaroni is covered in creamy, light-colored cheese sauce, giving it a smooth texture with some gloss. A metal spoon is partially inside the bowl, holding some pasta and broccoli. In the background, part of another white bowl with the same dish is visible. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Broccoli Mac and Cheese, creamy broccoli mac and cheese, easy broccoli pasta dish, healthy mac and cheese, cheesy broccoli casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the richness. Sometimes, I’ll roast some breadcrumbs with a bit of butter and sprinkle that crunch on top for a delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this with a light salad—think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato cucumber salad. Garlic bread or a crusty roll also pairs wonderfully if you want to keep the cozy comfort theme going.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil until golden and bubbling. It makes each serving feel a little fancy and perfect for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you scoop it out, the sauce firms up a little but don’t worry—that’s normal and easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

I have frozen this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe successfully in freezer-safe containers. Just know that the broccoli’s texture softens a bit after thawing, so I usually prefer making it fresh, but freezing works great for keeping it handy on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce and revive that creamy texture. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts to avoid drying out or overheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and drain it well before adding so it doesn’t make your mac and cheese watery. You can steam or blanch it quickly to enhance texture and flavor before mixing it in.
What cheeses work best for mac and cheese with broccoli?

Cheddar is a classic choice for its strong flavor and meltability, while gruyere adds creamy nuttiness that complements broccoli beautifully. You can also experiment with gouda, fontina, or even a little parmesan for extra umami.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute dairy-free vegan cheeses that melt well. You might need to adjust thickening with cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour for the sauce, but it’s totally doable.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Make sure to melt the cheese gently over low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is added. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded helps too since pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it reminds me how comfort food can still be a little nourishing—and that’s a win in my book. I hope when you try it, you find that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh that makes you want to come back to this dish again and again. Give it a shot—you’ll thank yourself later!