Baked Mac and Cheese Broccoli Boats -

Baked Mac and Cheese Broccoli Boats

Discover the delightful Cheesy Broccoli Paradise Boats, a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. This comforting dish features vibrant broccoli and creamy macaroni and cheese, all baked to a delicious golden brown. Ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in, these boats are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, they satisfy your cravings while keeping you healthy. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this innovative and scrumptious meal!

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Ingredients

4 large broccoli crowns (approximately 400g)

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)

2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (to mix with breadcrumbs)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cut the broccoli crowns in half from top to bottom to form boat-like sections. Blanch the broccoli by placing it in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green. Quickly transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice-cold water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.

Cook the Pasta: Using the same pot of boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until it's soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly to combine.

Create the Creamy Base: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and comes to a low bubble, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and gradually stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, blanched broccoli, and prepared cheese sauce. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add a splash more milk.

Stuff the Boats: Carefully fill each broccoli half with the mac and cheese mixture, ensuring to pack them tightly for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly mixed. Next, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the stuffed broccoli, followed by an even layer of the buttered breadcrumbs.

Bake: Arrange the stuffed broccoli boats on a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are a lovely golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the boats to cool for a few minutes. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch before enjoying.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings