Change the way you eat Mac and Cheese by adding some veggies. This Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Mac and Cheese include chopped broccoli and shredded carrots in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
If it were up to my son, he would not eat anything healthy. Well, maybe he would eat apples, bananas, and oranges because he does enjoy fruit, that’s about it. When it comes to vegetables forget it! I know that is typically for most kids, but still. I have to come up with clever ways for him to eat “healthy”. I sneak in a little flax seed powder in his oatmeal; I still buy him the baby food pouches with, at least, 2 vegetables; and I buy just about anything that does not have high fructose syrup and has servings of fruit and vegetables. So this Mac and Cheese recipe is a perfect way to trick him into eating his veggies.
- A frozen bag of broccoli florets
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded carrots
- Whole milk
- Cream cheese
- Elbow macaroni pasta
When you have a busy 9-5 as I do, you need dinner done fast and in a hurry. This dish will help you accomplish just that. Not only are the ingredients relatively inexpensive and this is a quick and easy dinner dish, but you can also customize this recipe in different ways.
What can I add to this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese dish?
This mac and cheese can serve as a side item just as easily it can as a main dish. But, if you want to add a bit more protein or veggies you absolutely can. Here are some additional ingredients you can add to this recipe:
- Grilled chicken
- Diced bacon
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Grilled turkey breast
- Steak
Adding one of these ingredients will definitely make this dish more filling and satisfying.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 cup) 1x
Description
Add veggies to your Mac and Cheese and have this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese for dinner. Serve with a delicious side salad and dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp. Olive oil
- ½ c. Green Onions (scallions), chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- 2 ½ tbsp. Flour
- 3 c. flour + ¼ c. whole milk, divided
- 2 . sharp shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 1 c. shredded carrots
- 2 c. frozen broccoli florets
- 1 tsp. Seasoned salt
- ¼ tsp. Black pepper
- ½ tsp. Onion powder
- ½ tsp. Garlic powder
- ½ tsp. Ground mustard
- ½ tsp. Smoked paprika
- 2 c. Dry elbow macaroni
Instructions
- In a large 10 inch round shallow pan on medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- In a large saucepot, fill halfway with water and add about a half tablespoon of salt and cook the elbow macaroni, al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Next, add the green onion and let it cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes and stir. Add the butter and allow to melt. Sprinkle with flour and whisk. Will begin to bubble.
- Add the 3 cups of whole milk and stir. Reduce the heat between low and medium. Once the milk is steaming, add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Add the one cup of sharp shredded cheese and stir until melted. Add the seasoned salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, and smoked paprika and stir.
- Add the shredded carrots, broccoli florets, and pasta and fold gently until all ingredients are coated. Sprinkle with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese and cover with a lid and allow to simmer on low for about 5-10 minutes and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
This looks so delicious I bet my daughter will be eating it all day everyday.
Adding broccoli and carrots is a great idea! The pictures look creamy and delicious, I am glad it’s healthy too!
It seems so delicious. Broccoli is one of my favorites.
This recipe looks so incredibly delicious! I’ll have to give it a try myself in the coming weeks, to taste it. 🙂
This looks delicious and healthy. I struggle with getting my kids to eat the things that are good for them. I try to hide things in their favorite foods. I will have to try making this for them.
What a nice way to add more fiber to one’s diet, plus the veggies are so yummy with a homemade cheese sauce on them!
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese looks yummy. I will going to make this now. It’s very simple. I think everyone will love this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Not a broccoli fn but ultimately this is not only tasty but healthy too. I think it is truly worth a try…
This is a wonderful recipe when one is short on time but high on hunger.
yes!
This looks deeeee-licious! I am going to make it for my daughter and I am sure she would love it plus it’s healthy too.
You can never go wrong with delicious mac and cheese! Love the veggies – comforting and hearty!
ChihYu recently posted…Cantonese Style Beef Chow Mein Noodles (Baked, Crispy!)
So delicious! Love the veggies – the family will enjoy this!
Kelly recently posted…Healthy Practices to Put in Place Before Your Wedding
Oh super yum! I know my kids would love this mac & cheese . . .even with the veggies, lol
Yum! I love that you have include lots of veggies into this mac and cheese recipe! It’s perfect!
I will be making this soon…looks yummy. Thanks!