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Macaroni and cheese is a beloved classic, revered for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich, cheesy goodness but also in its versatility. Today, we're elevating the traditional mac and cheese by introducing a vibrant twist—Cheesy Green Goodness Mac & Cheese. This delightful recipe combines the familiar comfort of mac and cheese with the nutritious benefits of fresh broccoli, creating a dish that appeals to both the palate and the health-conscious.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Discover a delightful twist on a classic comfort food with this Cheesy Green Goodness Mac & Cheese recipe. Packed with creamy cheeses and fresh broccoli, this dish combines the richness of traditional mac and cheese with the health benefits of vegetables. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it's a crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s nourishing and satisfying, all while making mealtime fun for everyone.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for an extra layer of flavor)

½ cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)

Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and broccoli together, and set aside.

    Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the whole milk, continuing to whisk to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

      Incorporate the Cheeses: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the Dijon mustard (if using), mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the drained macaroni and broccoli into the cheese sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated in the creamy mixture.

          Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and transfer the mac and cheese mixture into it, spreading evenly.

            Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of melted butter to enhance flavor and crunch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

              Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and crispy.

                Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color before serving. Dive into your creamy broccoli cheddar mac & cheese and savor every bite!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6