We made this as a side dish to the pig shots I made recently, and I had a few requests for this recipe, so here it is.
This starts with a new Mac & Cheese recipe I developed this past year, and simply adds some steamed broccoli. You can use your own favorite Mac & Cheese recipe if you like.
I do a few large group cookouts every year. Mac & cheese is always a crowd pleaser, but there are two types of mac & cheese lovers. Some (like me) prefer a traditional baked mac & cheese with a thickened texture and crusty top. Others prefer a creamier, saucy stove top style.
Well, last year for the Marching Band cookout, I decided to come up with a recipe that combines the best of both worlds.
Mac & Cheese / Broccoli Mac & Cheese
This makes a large batch - about 12 servings
This can easily be doubled, etc. for large gatherings/cookouts.
Ingredients:1 lb. Elbow Macaroni
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (I prefer light olive oil - trust me you do not need to use butter for this.)
1/4 cup Flour
3 - 3 1/4 cups Milk (depending on how creamy you want it, and how long you plan to bake it.)
8 ounces (1/2 lb) Velveeta style Cheese (or 10 - 11 slices of American Cheese)
12 oz. pack shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 TBS Yellow Mustard (condiment type)
1 tsp Salt
1/2 - 1 tsp coarse Black Pepper
Topping:
1 1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 cup of bread crumbs (optional)
Optional for Broccoli Mac & Cheese:1- 2 bunches of broccoli cut into bite-size pieces.
Directions: Boil macaroni according to directions. Drain well, but do NOT rinse! Transfer the hot macaroni to a baking dish, mix the shredded cheddar cheese into the macaroni, and set aside. This keeps the macaroni from sticking together.
For the cheese sauce: In a large sauce pan, whisk the flour and oil together and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute just until bubbling. Increase heat and add milk a little at a time stirring constantly. Wisk in the Salt, Pepper and mustard. Once the mixture is hot and slightly thickened, add the American/Velveeta Cheese and stir until melted and the mixture is hot and smooth.
Mix the hot cheese sauce into the macaroni, top with the paprika (and bread crumbs if using) and bake in a hot oven (350° - 400°) until Heated through, bubbling a slightly thickened (about 15 - 30 minutes).
If adding Broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli until just tender, and fold into the Mac and Cheese just before baking.
If you try this recipe, PLEASE let me know how you like it!
Thanks,
Cliff
