This Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese Will Be a Family Favorite
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Macaroni and cheese is my ultimate comfort food. I don’t think there has ever been a moment in my life when I did not want macaroni and cheese. I love almost all varieties, from the orange kind that comes in a cardboard box to the fancy restaurant macaroni with white truffles and artisanal breadcrumbs. And I am not opposed to adding a few well-chosen vegetables — like broccoli! — like this recipe from Skinny Taste does.
Cauliflower is a favorite choice for mixing with macaroni and cheese, because cauliflower is white and harder to detect when mixed with the cheesy sauce. Broccoli is bright green and harder to hide, but even though the broccoli is clearly visible in every bite, the author says this recipe is still a hit with kids.
For this healthyish kid-friendly version of macaroni and cheese, the author lightened up a traditional recipe with skim milk (instead of whole) and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The broccoli florets are boiled at the same time as the pasta until both are nicely al dente, then mixed with a light sauce of milk, sautéed onion, and chicken or vegetable broth. While it’s still hot, the grated Cheddar cheese is folded into the pasta, and the whole combination goes into a baking dish to be covered in breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan and baked until the top is crispy and golden.
It’s a flavorful take that’s likely to be a hit, even with people who are not normally fans of broccoli. If you add it to your family dinner repertoire, this baked broccoli macaroni and cheese could well be on its way to becoming your family’s future nostalgic craving.
Get the recipe: Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese by Skinny Taste
