Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded Maasdam cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Maasdam cheese until melted.
9. In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 550mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Maasdam cheese can be substituted with Gouda or Swiss cheese.
- Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or asparagus.
- Elbow macaroni can be substituted with penne or rigatoni pasta.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or ham for a protein boost.
- Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the flour and butter mixture for at least 1-2 minutes to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce.
- Don't overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy in the bake.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Maasdam cheese is a Dutch cheese that was first created in the 1990s. It is a semi-hard cheese with a nutty flavor and is often used in dishes like mac and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A