Baked Macaroni Cheese Broccoli

The smell of bubbling cheese sauce takes me back to rainy Tuesdays when my roommate would make mac and cheese while we studied. We always fought over who got the crunchy corners from the baking dish. Adding broccoli was her sneaky way of making us feel slightly virtuous about indulging.

I made this for a potluck last winter and watched three different people ask for the recipe before even taking a second bite. Something about bubbling cheese makes people gather around the oven like it is a campfire.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: The curved shape catches the cheese sauce perfectly in every bite
• Broccoli florets: Cut them small so they distribute evenly throughout the dish
• Unsalted butter: Starting with unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning exactly
• All purpose flour: This builds the roux base that thickens your sauce into silky perfection
• Whole milk and heavy cream: The combination gives you richness without being overwhelmingly heavy
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the creaminess for balanced flavor
• Gruyère cheese: Adds a nutty depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
• Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon enhances the cheese flavor without tasting mustardy
• Garlic and onion powder: These build a savory foundation in the background
• Panko breadcrumbs: They stay lighter and crunchier than traditional breadcrumbs

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish with butter

Cook the pasta and broccoli:

Boil salted water and cook macaroni for 6 minutes then add broccoli for 2 more minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is bright green

Build the roux base:

Melt 60 g butter over medium heat then whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly

Create the cheese sauce:

Gradually whisk in milk and cream then cook for about 5 minutes until thickened and bubbling

Add the cheese:

Remove from heat and stir in cheddar Gruyère Dijon mustard garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper until smooth

Combine everything:

Mix the cooked macaroni and broccoli into the cheese sauce until evenly coated then pour into the baking dish

Make the crispy topping:

Combine panko Parmesan and melted butter in a small bowl then sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture

Bake until golden:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown then let cool for 10 minutes before serving

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My sister-in-law requested this for her birthday dinner instead of a restaurant meal. Sometimes the most comforting foods are the greatest gifts you can give someone.

Making It Your Own

A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the cheese sauce adds a gentle warmth that surprises people. Cauliflower works beautifully instead of broccoli if that is what your family prefers. diced cooked chicken turns this into a complete one pan meal for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. I like serving this with roasted green beans or sautéed kale on the side. For wine a glass of unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy cheese without overpowering it.

Make Ahead Wisdom

You can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The flavors actually meld together even better when it sits overnight.

• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the microwave with a splash of milk
• Portion leftovers into individual containers for easy work lunches
• The topping will lose some crunch when reheated but the flavor remains incredible

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This is the kind of recipe that turns a regular Tuesday dinner into something people remember. Enjoy every cheesy crunchy bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I ensure the broccoli stays tender?

Cook broccoli with the macaroni for the last two minutes to retain its bright color and tender-crisp texture before baking.

→ Can I substitute cheeses in the sauce?

Sharp cheddar and Gruyère provide depth, but you can swap Gruyère for mozzarella or Monterey Jack if preferred.

→ What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavor and balances the richness of the sauce.

→ How do I get a crunchy topping?

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the dish before baking for a crispy crust.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Fresh green salads or lightly steamed vegetables complement the richness, while a crisp white wine matches nicely.