Mom's Alternate Mac Cheese

Treat your taste buds to the comforting goodness of "Mom's Alternate Mac Cheese," a savory twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe that sneaks in wholesome veggies without compromising on cheesy indulgence. Featuring a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, this dish elevates traditional macaroni with the addition of tender steamed broccoli and sweet peas for a burst of flavor and vibrant color. Topped with crunchy, golden panko breadcrumbs kissed with olive oil, this baked masterpiece strikes a perfect balance between creamy and crispy. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s kid-friendly and veggie-packed, delivering comfort with every cheesy, breadcrumb-crusted bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups Broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 cup Frozen peas, thawed
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, making sure there are no lumps. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, steamed broccoli, and thawed peas. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until the crumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni mixture.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2180.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4424.1

Total Fat 218.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 117.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 574.3mg	0%
Sodium 6017.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 417.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.2g	0%
Total Sugars 68.4g
Protein 204.3g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 4024.6mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 2815.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.1%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 37.5%