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–+ servings

Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese with Thyme Breadcrumbs

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

Mac & Cheese

  • 400 g dried pasta such as large shells
  • 1 head broccoli cut into small florets
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3-4 cup milk ideally warmed
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded old sharp white cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded medium orange cheddar
  • Extra cheddar for topping

Thyme Breadcrumbs

  • 4 slices slightly stale bread
  • Olive oil
  • A little salt
  • About 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Tear the bread into smaller pieces and add to a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have small, coarse breadcrumbs, you don't want them completely fine.
  • Spread the breadcrumbs onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Add the fresh thyme and a small pinch of salt, then toss everything together.
  • Bake for about 8–12 minutes, tossing once or twice, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don't burn. Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions.
  • While the pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously until combined and thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the warm milk, a little at a time, whisking well after each addition to keep the sauce smooth. Continue adding milk until you have a creamy, pourable sauce - you may need anywhere from 3-4 cups, depending on how thick you like it.
  • Season lightly with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Keep the salt on the lighter side since the cheese will add plenty of saltiness.
  • Lower the heat and add the mozzarella, old white cheddar, and medium cheddar. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • When the pasta is almost cooked, add the broccoli directly to the pasta water and cook for about 1 minute, just until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
  • Drain the pasta (saving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water) and broccoli well, then add them directly to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle a thin layer of the reserved cheddar over the top.
  • Bake at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until hot, bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes, then generously scatter the crispy thyme breadcrumbs over the top.
  • Serve warm with extra breadcrumbs for sprinkling over each serving.