The best way to eat mac and cheese, in our opinion? Broccoli mac and cheese! Why eat broccoli on the side when you can stir it right in? This makes a tasty one pot meatless meal that kids and adults alike will go mad for. It comes out creamy, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli for a dose of nutrients and fiber. What’s not to love? This one’s on our regular rotation over here: we and our kids adore it!
Ingredients in this broccoli mac and cheese
Mac and cheese can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when it’s eaten in moderation and served with a balance of fruits and vegetables: so why not through your broccoli right in? This recipe is an exercise in that balance: it’s got a bit less cheese than the standard mac and cheese recipe, and it’s got broccoli to balance the carbs out with fiber. Of course, you can have your broccoli on the side if you prefer it that way: and it’s just as good. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
Pantry ingredients: Short pasta like macaroni or shells (we used cavatappi), olive oil, flour, salt, Italian panko (for serving) Fresh ingredients: Broccoli Dairy: Butter, milk, Mozzarella cheese, Cheddar cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese
The panko is optional, but we like to top with seasoned breadcrumbs! Italian panko are seasoned with Italian herbs and salt. You can also use them instead of croutons, like in this Kale Caesar Salad.
A secret ingredient: Pecorino Romano
The secret ingredient in this broccoli mac and cheese? Pecorino Romano cheese! Pecorino Romano is an aged cheese with a very salty, savory flavor. This cheese has long been one of our favorite types of cheese to use because it’s so flavorful. It especially transforms vegetarian dishes because of its intensely savory flavor. All you need are two tablespoons of grated Pecorino Romano here, and it makes all the difference! Try not to leave it out. (We tried once and it didn’t taste nearly as delicious!) You should be able to find it at your local grocery store in either grated or shredded containers. If you can’t find it, use Parmesan cheese and a few more pinches of salt.
Why add broccoli to mac and cheese?
Of course, you can eat the broccoli on the side of mac and cheese, or a side salad! But this healthy mac and cheese actually very tasty with the broccoli intermixed. Here’s why we like it:
The contrast in texture helps you slow down while eating it. Ever feel like you can quickly inhale a mountain of mac and cheese? The different texture of broccoli helps us to slow down and enjoy each bite, making it a more satisfying meal and helping us eat a reasonable portion size. Broccoli adds fiber. There’s no fiber in noodles. But 1 cup of broccoli adds 2.4 grams fiber, which is 5 to 10% of your daily need (this is the amount in one serving of the mac and cheese). Broccoli also adds nutrients. It is high in nutrients like iron, folate, potassium, manganese, and vitamins C and K1.
Sides for broccoli mac and cheese
This healthy broccoli and cheese is part of our regular repertoire — our 6 year old in particular loves it! And so do we. Here are a few kid friendly and adult friendly side dish ideas to pair with it for an easy weeknight:
Carrot sticks and sliced cherry tomatoes Carrots, celery and Healthy Ranch Dressing Watercress Salad with Apple Peas with Lemon Sauteed Kale or Sauteed Spinach Cucumber Salad Favorite Chopped Salad
More mac and cheese recipes
We’ve got traditional mac and cheese recipes too! Here are a few of our top favorite ways to make this classic:
Go classic with Homemade Mac and Cheese Try Pesto Mac and Cheese Opt for family favorite Best Gouda Mac and Cheese or White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Go decadent with Truffle Mac and Cheese
This broccoli mac and cheese recipe is…
Vegetarian. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. 5 from 3 reviews
