Panera Bread Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a beloved comfort food that combines the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the nutritious crunch of broccoli. This copycat recipe from Panera Bread brings the best of both worlds to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Ingredients

To make this delightful Broccoli Mac and Cheese, you’ll need:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Prepping the Broccoli:

1. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Set aside.

Preparing the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Broccoli

Blanching for Perfect Texture:

1. In the same pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

Retaining Vibrant Green Color:

1. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.

Steps to a Creamy and Cheesy Sauce:

1. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Cooking the Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta:

1. Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells.

Cooking to Al Dente:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions, to ensure it maintains its texture when combined with the sauce.

Combining Broccoli, Pasta, and Sauce

Mixing Everything Together:

1. Add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

Ensuring Even Coating:

1. Make sure the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.

Baking the Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Preparing the Baking Dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

Baking Time and Temperature:

1. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes to Complement:

1. Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option.

Variations

Different Add-ins:

1. Try adding cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a different take on this recipe.
2. Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Adjusting the Sauce:

1. For a lighter sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Even Cooking:

1. Make sure the pasta is cooked to al dente and the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
2. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan and cooks evenly.

Balancing the Flavors:

1. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices as desired.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prep the broccoli and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Use Different Cheeses?
   • Absolutely, you can use a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
4. How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
   • Add or reduce the amount of paprika and garlic powder to adjust the spice level to your preference.
5. What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
   • You can make substitutions, such as using different cheeses or adding other favorite ingredients.

Conclusion

Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and nutritious broccoli, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

Yield: 4

Panera Bread Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print

Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a beloved comfort food that combines the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the nutritious crunch of broccoli. This copycat recipe from Panera Bread brings the best of both worlds to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon butter
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth divided, low sodium
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 8 ounces medium pasta shells uncooked
• 2 cups broccoli florets up to 3 cups worth
• ½ cup shredded carrots roughly chopped if desired
• ¾ cup half and half or whole milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or your preference

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoon butter, 2 cups chicken broth (save the other one cup to add in while cooking; see step 3), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and allow butter to melt.

• Add 8 oz pasta shells, 2 cups broccoli florets, and ½ cup shredded carrots. Stir together and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Cover with lid and reduce heat to medium.

• Cook until shells are tender, adding more chicken broth as needed so pasta doesn't dry out.

• Reduce heat to low and stir in ¾ cup half and half, 4 oz softened cream cheese and 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese. Stir to melt cheese and sauce evenly coats ingredients.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.