White Cheddar Broccoli Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

White Cheddar Broccoli Mac & Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, this dish makes a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces short pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups half & half (substitute whole milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grate the white cheddar cheese and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water according to package directions, cooking 1-2 minutes less to keep it slightly al dente.
3. Step 3: Cut the broccoli into small bite-sized florets. Steam the broccoli over the boiling pasta for 2-3 minutes, or add it directly to the boiling pasta water for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
4. Step 4: Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
5. Step 5: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the flour to form a thick paste and cook for 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Slowly whisk in the half & half. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Add the shredded white cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted.
9. Step 9: Stir in the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli, coating them evenly with the cheese sauce. Let cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, grate the cheese finely and add it gradually while stirring.
• Substitute half & half with whole milk for a lighter version, or use heavy cream for extra richness.
• Add cooked bacon or toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra texture and flavor.
• To make it vegetarian but still flavorful, try mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm the mac and cheese on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help rehydrate the pasta and keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend for different flavors. Just choose cheeses that melt well.

Is it necessary to steam the broccoli separately?

No, you can simply add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking to save time and cookware.

White Cheddar Broccoli Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This White Cheddar Broccoli Mac & Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender pasta and nutritious broccoli florets enveloped in a rich white cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a perfect meal for weeknights or family gatherings.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces short pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups half & half (substitute whole milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Grate Cheese: Grate the block of white cheddar cheese and set aside to prepare for the sauce.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, ideally 1-2 minutes less than indicated to keep it slightly al dente.
3. Prepare Broccoli: Cut broccoli into small bite-sized florets. While pasta cooks, steam broccoli over the boiling pasta for 2-3 minutes or add broccoli to the pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
4. Drain Pasta and Broccoli: Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside to prevent overcooking.
5. Make Cheese Sauce Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Create Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a thick paste and cook for 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
7. Add Dairy and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the half & half, followed by Dijon mustard, kosher salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
8. Melt Cheese: Add the shredded white cheddar to the thickened sauce and stir until fully melted and smooth.
9. Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook over low heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the mac & cheese immediately while hot and creamy.
11. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate the pasta and maintain creaminess.

Notes

• Cooking pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions ensures a firmer texture that holds up well in the sauce.
• Steaming broccoli over the pasta or boiling it with the pasta saves time and keeps broccoli tender-crisp.
• Dijon mustard is optional but enhances the flavor depth of the cheese sauce.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for a subtle spicy kick or omit for a milder dish.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and creaminess compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Reheat leftovers gently with added liquid to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.

Keywords: White Cheddar, Broccoli, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner