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This hearty combination of creamy cheese sauce and crisp broccoli transforms classic Mac n Cheese into a complete meal. The perfect balance between comfort and health makes it an ideal family dinner.
After years of experience in family cooking, this recipe has proven to be a true omnivore's favorite.
Carefully Selected Ingredients
- Aged cheddar: Provides intense cheese flavor
- Fresh broccoli: Maintains its texture and nutrients
- Quality pasta: Optimally absorbs the sauce
- Fresh nutmeg: Enhances the cheese sauce
Detailed Preparation
- Vegetable preparation
- Divide broccoli into even florets for uniform cooking.
- Pasta preparation
- Cook pasta al dente in plenty of salted water.
- Make sauce
- Melt butter, toast flour until golden brown, stir in milk.
- Refine cheese sauce
- Gradually stir in grated cheese until the sauce has a silky shine.
- Combine components
- Gently toss pasta and broccoli in the sauce.
As a chef, I recommend combining different types of cheese for more depth of flavor.
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Serving Variations
Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs, garnish with fresh herbs, or serve with extra grated cheese.
Creative Variations
Add cauliflower, incorporate bacon cubes, or experiment with different cheese varieties.
Storage
Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating.
This Mac n Cheese variation combines the best of two worlds: creamy cheese indulgence and crisp vegetables. A dish that delights both children and adults.
The Perfect Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is the heart of this dish. The key lies in the right sequence and temperature. The roux must be golden brown before adding the cold milk. Only stir in the cheese after the sauce has been removed from the heat. This keeps the sauce silky and prevents it from becoming grainy.
Properly Preparing Broccoli
The broccoli should remain crisp and maintain its bright green color. To achieve this, heavily salt the water and let it come to a rolling boil. Blanch the florets for only 3-4 minutes and then immediately shock them in ice water. This stops the cooking process and preserves the color.
Choosing the Right Pasta
The pasta type is crucial for the overall result. Tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni are particularly well-suited as they capture the sauce in their hollows. The pasta should definitely be cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
Spices and Flavors
A hint of nutmeg is essential for an authentic cheese sauce. Freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper give the dish a pleasant spiciness. Optionally, some chopped fresh thyme can also be added.
Cheese Selection and Combination
The combination of different cheese varieties makes the sauce particularly interesting. A ratio of 2:1 between savory cheddar and mild gouda creates a perfect balance. For extra creaminess, some cream cheese can also be added.
Texture and Consistency
The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it becomes too firm, simply stir in a splash of warm milk. The perfect consistency is achieved when the sauce evenly coats the spoon and slowly flows off it.
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Preparation and Planning
The dish can be partially prepared in advance. Broccoli can be blanched the day before and the cheese sauce can already be made. Just before serving, warm everything up and fold in the freshly cooked pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dish immediately while the sauce is still smooth. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds freshness. Toasted pine nuts or almonds as a topping provide a crunchy note.
This Mac n Cheese recipe with broccoli is more than just a simple pasta dish. It's a perfect combination of comfort and balance, suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
- Yes, any short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli or macaroni work well.
- → Which cheese works best?
- A mix of cheddar and Emmental tastes best, but any flavorful cheese will work.
- → Can I replace the broccoli with other vegetables?
- Yes, cauliflower, peas or zucchini also work very well.
- → How can I make the sauce even creamier?
- Add some cream cheese or heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- → Can this dish be reheated?
- Yes, best in a pan or in the oven with a little milk to keep the sauce creamy.