Easy Broccoli White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Easy Broccoli White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Looking for an easy meal, healthy comfort food, or a meal prep recipe the whole family will actually eat? This Broccoli White Cheddar Mac & Cheese checks every box. Made with Stahlbush Island Farms Frozen Broccoli Florets, this dish delivers USA-grown, peak-season flavor with zero prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, school lunches, and make-ahead meals.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vegetables, it’s a smarter take on mac and cheese that fits seamlessly into your back-to-school meal rotation.

INGREDIENTS

For the Mac & Cheese

• 16 oz cavatappi pasta
• 1- 10 oz Stahlbush Island Farms Frozen Broccoli Florets (You can add more if you’d like!)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta & broccoli (one pot!)
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until 1 minute shy of al dente. Add frozen broccoli during the last 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the creamy cheese sauce
   Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thick.
3. Add flavor & melt cheese
   Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and add cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted.
4. Combine for a complete meal
   Fold pasta and broccoli into the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Make the crispy topping
   Melt butter in a skillet. Add panko and garlic powder; toast until golden. Stir in Parmesan and parsley.
6. Top & serve
   Sprinkle topping over mac and cheese and serve warm.
   

Meal Prep Tips (Perfect for Busy Weeks)

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months for quick dinners
• Lunchbox ready: Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals

Healthy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

This recipe balances indulgence with nutrition by adding fiber-rich broccoli, one of our high-quality frozen vegetables. With Stahlbush Island Farms Frozen Broccoli Florets, you get:

• Vegetables harvested and frozen at peak ripeness
• No additives or preservatives
• Consistent quality and flavor year-round
• A simple way to add veggies to family meals

The Easy Way to Eat Better

When you start with frozen, USA-grown produce, creating healthy meals becomes faster and more accessible. This Broccoli White Cheddar Mac & Cheese proves that comfort food can also be convenient, nourishing, and perfect for everyday life.

Make it once, or enjoy it all week by keeping it on repeat for busy school nights.