If you’ve got little ones who usually turn up their noses at broccoli, this recipe might just change their minds. It’s a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and healthy greens.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 12-16 ounces chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- Black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- About 1 minute before your macaroni finishes cooking, toss in the broccoli. Drain both in a colander and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt the butter and add flour, mustard, salt, and a pinch of black pepper to your taste. Whisk in the milk and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cheese and stir until it’s all melted and combined.
- Gently fold in the broccoli and macaroni.
- Your delicious cheesy broccoli macaroni is now ready to be served either as a delightful side dish or a satisfying main course.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 26g
Please bear in mind that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Fresh broccoli can be briefly blanched before adding it to the macaroni for a brighter green color and a crisp texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can add interesting twists.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider topping your macaroni with breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking until golden brown and crispy.