Description
A creamy and comforting broccoli mac and cheese made with a blend of cheddar and gruyere cheeses, fresh steamed broccoli, and elbow macaroni. This healthier twist on a classic family favorite is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Steam Broccoli: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente following package instructions. While pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets by placing them in a steamer basket over the boiling water for 1-2 minutes, or blanch them in the draining pasta water. Drain the pasta well and set aside the blanched broccoli.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is golden and combined, about 2 minutes, creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the 2% milk to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni and steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve the broccoli mac and cheese immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This healthier version of a family favorite is hearty, comforting, and packed with nutritious broccoli.
- Steaming the broccoli briefly preserves its bright color and crisp-tender texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately to prevent the sauce from thickening too much as it cools.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 607 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 439 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
