Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
A comforting and healthier twist on classic mac and cheese, this Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines tender pasta and fresh broccoli florets in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with fat-free cheddar and Velveeta American cheese. Topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, it’s a delicious, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz dry corkscrew pasta
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp light butter, divided
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups Kraft fat free cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Velveeta American cheese, chopped
Topping
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp light butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large deep frying pan, melt 1 tbsp of light butter over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of flour and whisk continuously until a thick paste forms, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of skim milk, continue to whisk over medium heat to break down any lumps, and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Melt the Cheese: Add 2 cups of fat free cheddar and chopped Velveeta slices to the sauce. Whisk continuously until all cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Set the sauce aside while cooking pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions (about 9 minutes for 11-minute recommended pasta). Add broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking to soften them.
- Combine Ingredients: Using a slotted spoon, remove pasta and broccoli from water and transfer directly into the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and pour in the mac and cheese mixture. Smooth the top evenly.
- Make the Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter in a small bowl. Stir in panko breadcrumbs until mixture resembles wet sand. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is lightly golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For frozen broccoli, thaw before adding to the dish instead of boiling.
- Use low-fat or skim milk to keep this recipe lighter in calories and fat.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and pasta with gluten-free versions.
- Make sure to watch the sauce carefully while whisking to prevent lumps.
- You can swap Velveeta for another processed cheese alternative if not available, though melting properties may vary.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/baked-broccoli-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
