Green Macaroni And Cheese
A vibrant green macaroni and cheese loaded with broccoli and Cheddar, offering a creamy, cheesy flavor with a nutritious twist, perfect as a colorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli until tender, then put in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- On low heat, melt the Cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni, processed broccoli, milk, and butter to the cheese and stir well to combine.
- Serve hot as a colorful side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier consistency, consider adding a bit more milk or a splash of cream. If you want to enhance the flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or onion powder into the cheese mixture. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere, for a different taste. This dish is perfect for using up leftover broccoli as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Green Macaroni and Cheese as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs beautifully with Tyresha'S Tangerine Punch for a refreshing drink. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance the richness of the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the macaroni seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 1677 calories, with 29g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 157g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (62% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1166mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it until tender and drain any excess water before blending. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use almond milk or any plant-based milk instead of regular milk. For the butter, consider using vegan butter or olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free.
Can I add protein to this macaroni and cheese?
Yes, adding protein is a great idea! You can mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just fold in your chosen protein after combining the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).