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White Cheddar Broccoli Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/white-cheddar-broccoli-mac-and-cheese-recipe/