Best 2 Baked Broccoli Mac And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a culinary delight that harmonizes the comforting flavors of classic mac and cheese with the vibrant goodness of broccoli. This baked broccoli mac and cheese is a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. Broccoli florets, tender and bursting with nutrients, are enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful embrace. This delectable dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave you craving more.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll find several variations of this beloved dish, each offering a unique twist to satisfy every craving. From the classic baked broccoli mac and cheese, where golden breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, to the lighter and healthier version made with whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese, there's a recipe here for every occasion and dietary preference.

For those seeking a touch of sophistication, the gourmet broccoli mac and cheese with a hint of white truffle oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates the dish to new heights of flavor. And if you're in the mood for a vegetarian feast, the broccoli mac and cheese with roasted vegetables is a vibrant and colorful masterpiece.

Each recipe is presented with clear instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create this delectable dish with ease. With step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and vibrant images, you'll be able to craft a broccoli mac and cheese that will impress family and friends alike.

So embark on this culinary journey, explore the diverse recipes within, and discover the perfect baked broccoli mac and cheese that suits your taste buds and occasion.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN BAKED MAC & CHEESE

Broccoli and Chicken Baked Mac & Cheese image

I was really craving baked macaroni and cheese one night so I decided to throw in some other items to make a meal out of it. Everyone loved it and my step-daughter asked if I could make it once a week. It is cheesy and fantastic with veggies and chicken added so you don't have to worry about making side dishes. This fed our family of five and gave my hubby leftovers for work. See the last step for make ahead information.

Provided by PSU Lioness

Categories Macaroni And Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
olive oil
8 ounces broccoli florets, cooked and chopped (I used a little over a half of a regular sized bag of frozen broccoli cuts. Use more or less to fit )
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
1 (10 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
6 tablespoons butter (or 3/4 of a stick)
2 (8 ounce) bricks sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (I shredded them in a food processor)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350.
Heat about 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over Medium/High heat. Add chicken to the pan and saute until done, seasoning with salt and pepper if preferred.
If broccoli florets are not already cooked and chopped, do this now. You can buy frozen chopped broccoli to save time.
Add chicken and broccoli to the already cooked macaroni pasta. Toss to make sure it is well mixed.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, sour cream, milk, Parmesan and seasoned salt. Add the butter after everything else is mixed.
Cover with plastic wrap and cut a few slits in the top to vent.
Microwave for 4 minutes to melt butter and heat the rest of the soup mixture. Make sure butter is melted when finished. If not, stir and microwave for another minute or two.
To assemble the macaroni, layer 1/2 of the macaroni/chicken/broccoli mixture in the bottom of a sprayed 9x13 glass baking dish. Top with half of the cheese soup mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat all three layers one more time.
Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is melted. If the top is already browned, skip the next step.
Turn oven to BROIL and allow macaroni to remain in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese on top is lightly browned. You may even want to keep the oven door open a crack to watch the top and make sure it doesn't burn.
You can make this a day or two ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. Just remove it from the fridge about 45 minutes before baking so it comes up to room temperature and cooks evenly.

BAKED BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe image

Creamy, cheesy macaroni with fresh broccoli topped with crispy bread crumbs.

Provided by Six Sisters Stuff

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) box elbow macaroni
2 cups broccoli florets
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 onion (minced)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 cup fat free chicken broth
Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons butter (melted)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente.
Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes.
Add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden brown and the mixture is well combined.
Whisk in milk and chicken broth and raise heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted.
Add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well.
Pour into prepared baking dish.
Mix together breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle on top of pasta.
Bake for 20-25 minutes

Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving

Tips:

Use flavorful cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses provides a rich and complex flavor. You can use other cheeses like Gouda, Asiago, or Fontina, but make sure they have a bold taste that can stand up to the broccoli and macaroni.
Cook the broccoli until it's tender-crisp: You don't want the broccoli to be mushy, so cook it just until it's tender-crisp. This will give it a nice texture and flavor.
Don't overcook the macaroni: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, meaning it's still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and unpleasant.
Use a generous amount of cheese sauce: The cheese sauce is what makes this dish so decadent and delicious, so don't be shy about it. Use a generous amount so that every bite is coated in cheesy goodness.
Top with bread crumbs for a crispy topping: A sprinkling of bread crumbs on top of the casserole before baking gives it a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds a nice contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.

Conclusion:

This baked broccoli mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender-crisp broccoli, and crispy bread crumb topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.