Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This creamy, cheesy dish stands out with the addition of fresh broccoli, making it a delightful blend of flavors and nutrition. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe simplifies meal prep by using a slow cooker. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this satisfying dish that warms both the heart and the home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss all your ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of cheeses creates a decadent taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Nutritious Addition: Broccoli adds a healthy touch, making this mac and cheese both delicious and nutritious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual gatherings or special family meals.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, it ensures even cooking while you go about your day.
• Mixing bowl: A convenient place to combine your ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water

For the Cheese Sauce

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Broccoli

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by greasing your slow cooker lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a mixing bowl, combine elbow macaroni with water. Pour this mixture into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Cheeses and Seasonings

Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Broccoli

Gently fold in fresh broccoli florets into the cheesy pasta mixture ensuring they are well distributed.

Step 5: Set Your Slow Cooker

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, give it a final stir. Serve hot garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it correctly enhances the overall experience, making it even more delightful for family and friends.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A fresh salad with a variety of greens adds crunch and balances the creamy mac and cheese.
• Caesar Salad: The rich flavors pair nicely, giving a classic touch to your meal.

Topped with Crispy Bacon

• Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for an added savory crunch that complements the cheesy goodness.

With Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread Sticks: Serve warm garlic bread sticks alongside for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Toast: For extra flavor, try cheesy garlic toast, which will enhance the overall taste.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a sourdough loaf and fill it with mac and cheese for a fun, edible serving option.

How to Perfect Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

To achieve the best version of Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives a stronger flavor compared to mild cheddar. It makes your dish richer.
• Add Fresh Broccoli Last: To keep broccoli vibrant and slightly crunchy, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: This helps control the saltiness of your dish while still providing great flavor.
• Stir Occasionally: Give your crockpot mac and cheese a gentle stir every once in a while to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Pairing your Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds flavor and nutrition.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.
4. Grilled Chicken: Seasoned grilled chicken can add protein to your meal while keeping it hearty.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a burst of sweetness that pairs well with cheesy flavors.
6. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements the savory notes in your dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using the wrong pasta: Not all pasta holds up well in a crockpot. Opt for short pasta like elbow macaroni, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors.
• Skipping the cheese blend: Relying on just one type of cheese can lead to a bland taste. Mixing sharp cheddar with creamy cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese adds depth.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Adding broccoli too early can cause it to become mushy. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season at different stages can result in a flat flavor. Season your pasta water and mix spices into the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
• Ignoring thickness adjustments: If the mac and cheese is too thick, it becomes dry. Add extra milk or broth gradually until you achieve your desired creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

• Use a freezer-safe container for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Portion it out for easy reheating later.

Reheating Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a saucepan over low heat, add a splash of milk or broth and stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli creamy?

To achieve creaminess, use a blend of cheeses and add milk or cream gradually while stirring during cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli in my Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it retains its texture.

What type of cheese works best for Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli?

A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese provides great flavor and creaminess.

How long does it take to cook Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli?

It typically takes about 2-3 hours on high heat or 4-6 hours on low heat in the crockpot.

Final Thoughts

This Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli offers rich flavors that warm you up on chilly days. It’s versatile; feel free to customize by adding proteins like chicken or bacon, or experimenting with different cheeses. Try this recipe today for a comforting meal everyone will love!

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Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

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Fall Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings and chilly days. This creamy dish combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar and mozzarella with fresh broccoli, making it both indulgent and nutritious. Ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners, this slow-cooker recipe takes the hassle out of meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a warm, hearty dish with minimal effort. With its delectable blend of cheeses and simple preparation, this mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household.

• Total Time: 21 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Grease the slow cooker lightly to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine elbow macaroni with water and pour into the slow cooker.
3. Add sharp cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder; stir well.
4. Gently fold in fresh broccoli florets.
5. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
6. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Category: Comfort Food
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar and consider adding cooked bacon or grilled chicken. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk during cooking. You can substitute frozen broccoli; just add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.