This White Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a soon-to-be family favorite! It’s made with elbow macaroni noodles coated in a velvety white cheddar cheese sauce, and finished with tender bites of broccoli.
Mac and cheese is one of those foods that I truly never get sick of eating…ESPECIALLY when there are so many different versions and varieties to try!
This White Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of my favorite stovetop mac recipes. It’s rich and creamy, packed with flavor, and loaded with just the right amount of tender broccoli.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- So quick and easy – This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and comes together in no more than 20 minutes.
- A crowd favorite – This will disappear out of the pan so fast you’ll be whipping up another batch in no time.
- Customable – I love this recipe as-is but, as with any mac and cheese, you can absolutely customize it to suit your own tastes. Swap the broccoli for another veggie, add a protein, you name it!
Recipe Notes
This Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe is as simple as promised! Just 20 minutes total for a family friendly dinner.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make the best white cheddar mac and cheese recipe and to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Macaroni Pasta – I like to use the classic elbow macaroni pasta shape, but feel free to use any small pasta shape that you like.
- Broccoli – You’ll need 8 ounces of fresh broccoli florets.
- Butter
- Garlic
- Spices – We’re seasoning with a simple, but effective combination of salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Milk – I use whole milk, but use any variety you like.
- White Cheddar Cheese – You can use pre-shredded cheese OR shred your own (my preference!)
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Add a protein – This Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is a delicious vegetarian dinner, but you can absolutely round it out with any protein of your choice. Try it with shredded chicken, Crockpot Steak Bites, Italian sausage, or even Crispy Bacon Bits!
- Add other veggies – The broccoli in this recipe is a delicious and simple way to bulk this up with veggies, but feel free to add other tasty veggies if you like some extra texture. Try it with diced pepper, sautéed mushrooms, or sautéed kale,
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe.
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. In the last 4 minutes of boiling, add in the broccoli. Drain. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add in garlic, salt, and spices.
Stir in the flour. Whisk until smooth, then add in the milk and cook.
Add in the white cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.
Mix in the cooked pasta and broccoli, stir until fully coated, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Shred your own cheese – While pre-shredded cheese definitely works, the texture and flavor of freshly shredded cheese really is unmatched. If you have time, I recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself!
- Use any small pasta shape – I love the elbow macaroni, but you can use another pasta shape too! Whatever you decide, I do recommend a smaller pasta shape so it blends well with the broccoli florets.
- Serve immediately! – While you an save and reheat leftovers, I recommend enjoying this mac and cheese right away if you can. Mac and cheese is always best fresh!
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Pre-cook your broccoli and pasta – You can get ahead by prepping and cooking the broccoli and pasta, then storing it in the fridge for a couple of days. That way, when you’re ready to whip up your dinner, all you need to do is make the cheese sauce!
- Use already-shredded cheese – Like I said, freshly shredded cheese is delicious, BUT you can totally use pre-shredded with incredible results. Save a little bit of time by just buying it ready-to-go!
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Freeze Mac and Cheese with Broccoli after cooking
- Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, then let it cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired.
Keep in mind that the texture of thawed pasta and cheese sauce won’t match that of fresh exactly.
What to Serve with Homemade White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of comfort food, it will pair well with many of your favorite comforting side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Garlic Bread – Because who doesn’t love the comforting cheesiness of mac and cheese with a buttery slice of the BEST Ever Garlic Bread? This garlic bread is soft in the middle, golden and crispy on the edges, and bursting with garlicky flavor.
- Sautéed Green Beans – These Sautéed Green Beans are the perfect lighter side dish to make your meal feel a little bit fancier! They’re perfectly crisp-tender and topped with parmesan, pine nuts, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- Baked Chicken Tenders – Enjoy a full-on comfort food meal with these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to 3 months
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Baked Mac and Cheese – Turn your leftovers into an easy Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe. Simply layer the leftover pasta into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and parmesan, then bake until the breadcrumbs are golden-brown and crispy and the pasta is heated all the way through.
- Baked Mac and Cheese Muffin Cups – Mac and cheese muffin cups are a delicious way to repurpose leftovers. Simply mix the leftover mac with a couple of eggs, portion evenly into a muffin tin, top with breadcrumbs, then bake until heated through.
Recipe FAQ’s
Is white cheddar cheese good for mac and cheese?
Absolutely! White cheddar cheese has a rich flavor and velvety texture that’s perfect for mac and cheese.
Should I cook broccoli before putting in mac and cheese?
Yes! The broccoli should be cooked before you mix it with the cheese sauce. However, this recipe allows you to cook the broccoli in the pan along with the noodles to save time and dishes. Just add it into the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking!
More EASY Pasta Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy pasta recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
White Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 16 ounces White cheddar
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni per package directions. In the last 4 minutes of boiling, add the broccoli florets. Then drain.
- While the macaroni is cooking, make the sauce by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the garlic and the salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Then stir in the flour and cook 60-90 seconds.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, whisking until all milk is added and the sauce is smooth. Then stir in the white cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
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