Broccoli Mac & Cheese

If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s mac and cheese. Creamy, comforting, and universally loved—it’s the kind of meal that always brings people to the table. And when you give it a nourishing little upgrade, like we’re doing here with this Broccoli Mac & Cheese, it becomes something you can feel good about serving any day of the week.

This version still gives you all the comfort and cheesy goodness you’re after but with a few tweaks that boost the nutrition without compromising on flavour. It’s a beautiful balance of indulgence and nourishment—my favourite way to eat.

Whether you're cooking for the family, prepping for the week, or just want something satisfying and simple, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dig in!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE.

One of the best things about this Broccoli Mac & Cheese is how easy it is to make. It comes together in about 30 minutes and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in the fridge and pantry. But beyond the convenience, this dish is the perfect reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive.

By adding fresh broccoli, you’re boosting the fibre and antioxidant content of a meal that’s traditionally all carbs and cheese. The wholemeal flour adds a touch more fibre, and you can use your milk of choice—dairy or non-dairy—depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

Plus, the combination of cheddar and Gruyere cheese adds a deep, nutty flavour that takes this dish up a notch. It’s simple food that feels just a little bit special.

LET'S TALK INGREDIENTS.

Before we get cooking, let’s break down what you’ll need and why these ingredients work so well together:

• Macaroni: Traditional elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use wholegrain pasta or even a gluten-free alternative if that suits you better.

• Broccoli: This is where the extra goodness comes in. Broccoli is full of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants—and it adds a beautiful pop of green to the dish. Chop it into small florets so it blends seamlessly into every bite.

• Butter & Flour: This duo forms the base of your roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Using wholemeal flour adds a bit more fibre and a subtle nutty flavour.

• Milk: Choose whatever milk suits you—full cream for richness or a plant-based option like oat or almond if you’re dairy-free.

• Dijon Mustard: A secret weapon in many cheese sauces, Dijon adds just a touch of tang that balances out the richness of the cheese.

• Cheddar & Gruyere Cheese: Cheddar brings the sharp, classic flavour we know and love, while Gruyere adds a creamy, nutty depth. Together, they’re magic.

THE RECIPE.

Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Serves 4–6 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

225g (8 oz) elbow macaroni

340g (11.9 oz) broccoli florets

2 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. wholemeal all-purpose flour

475ml (16 fl oz) milk of your choice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

120g (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

120g (4 oz) shredded Gruyere cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain everything together and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce
   In the same pot (no need to dirty another one!), melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and starts to smell slightly nutty.

3. Add the Milk & Mustard
   Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture begins to thicken—this will take about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper.

4. Add the Cheese
   Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyere until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Combine Everything
   Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot and gently stir to coat everything in the cheese sauce.

6. Serve & Enjoy
   Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a few chilli flakes if you like a bit of a kick.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT HERE.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN.

One of the best things about this Broccoli Mac & Cheese is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Swap the Cheese
Try adding a bit of parmesan for a salty punch, or use mozzarella for extra meltiness. If you're dairy-free, opt for your favourite plant-based cheese.

Add Protein
Want to make this a complete meal? Stir in shredded chicken, canned tuna, or even crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian protein boost.

Change the Veg
No broccoli? No problem. Try baby spinach, peas, cauliflower, or even roasted pumpkin. It's a great way to use up what’s in the fridge.

Make It Crispy
If you’re craving a bit more texture, pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs (or crushed almonds or seeds for a gluten-free version), and pop it under the grill for a few minutes until golden and bubbling.

A GREAT OPTION FOR MEAL PREP.

This dish also happens to be meal prep friendly. Make a big batch, divide it into containers, and you’ve got lunches sorted for the week. It reheats beautifully, and the flavours deepen over time.

If you’re making it ahead, just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it nice and creamy.

KID-APPROVED & FAMILY FRIENDLY.

Let’s be honest—kids can be a little hesitant when it comes to green veggies. But when they’re tucked into a creamy cheese sauce like this one, they’re a lot more likely to give it a go. If you’re cooking for little ones, this is a great way to sneak in a few extra serves of vegetables.

Bonus tip: let them sprinkle the cheese or help stir the sauce (supervised, of course). Getting kids involved in the kitchen makes them more excited about what ends up on their plate.

WHY THIS MEAL WORKS.

Here’s why I keep this recipe in my regular rotation:

• It’s simple – You don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills.

• It’s nutrient-rich – Thanks to the wholemeal flour, milk, and broccoli.

• It’s crowd-pleasing – A total hit with both adults and kids.

• It’s flexible – You can change up the veggies, cheese, or pasta to suit your preferences or pantry.

• It’s comforting – Because sometimes, you just need a bowl of cheesy goodness.

LET'S RECAP.

If you’re after a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and brings big flavour with minimal fuss, this Broccoli Mac & Cheese ticks all the boxes. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean missing out on your favourites.

So next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, grab some pasta, a head of broccoli, and your cheese of choice, and whip up a batch of this creamy, feel-good comfort food.

And don’t forget—healthy living is all about balance. It’s not about restriction, it’s about finding delicious, nourishing meals that support your lifestyle and taste amazing too.

READY TO TRY IT?
You can find the full recipe on the blog, plus a bunch of other easy, feel-good meals to make your week a little easier (and tastier!).
Let me know if you try this one—I’d love to hear what you think or how you make it your own.

Here’s to simple, nourishing meals that leave you feeling great.