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.
Mac and cheese is a family favorite but can be pretty unhealthy. This recipe adds a healthy twist by sneaking in vegetables to give your kids all the nutrients they need.
The Sneaky Secret to Healthy Eating
If I’m being honest, it can be a struggle to get my son to eat his vegetables. I know most parents can relate. However, I’ve found a few sneaky ways to incorporate healthy foods into his diet. One of my favorite tricks is to add vegetables to the foods he already loves. This broccoli cheddar mac and cheese recipe is the perfect way to get him to eat his broccoli without even knowing it!
Quick and Easy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This broccoli mac and cheese recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand: frozen broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded carrots, milk, cream cheese, and elbow macaroni. The best part about this recipe is that it takes 30 minutes to cook! You can pair it with a simple side salad for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Customizable Broccoli and Cheese Mac
This broccoli and cheese mac is quick and easy to make but can also be customized to your liking. Add protein or extra veggies to turn this side dish into a main course! Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled chicken
- Diced bacon
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Grilled turkey breast
- Steak
Commonly Asked Questions and Answers
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Gruyere.
Of course! This recipe is easily customizable. You can add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas for an extra boost of nutrients.
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Similar Recipes
If you enjoy mac and cheese recipes like this, you will enjoy the ones below:
- Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
- Beer and Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Loaded Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Southern Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 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 1/2 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1/2 c. Green Onions (scallions), chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- 2 1/2 tbsp. Flour
- 3 c. flour + 1/4 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
- 1/4 tsp. Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Ground mustard
- 1/2 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
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: American
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!