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Creamy baked mac and cheese with broccoli and peas topped with a golden crispy cheese crust in a casserole dish

Creamy Broccoli Pea Baked Mac & Cheese (with Thyme + Golden Crust)

Creamy Broccoli Pea Baked Mac & Cheese is an easy from-scratch comfort food casserole made with tender elbow macaroni, fresh broccoli florets, and sweet green peas, all coated in a rich, velvety homemade cheddar cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling with a crispy, cheesy crust, this family-friendly baked mac and cheese recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture, bold cheese flavor, and wholesome vegetables. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, cozy comfort food meals, potlucks, and holiday side dishes, this easy baked mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing recipe everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Bake Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 1196 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot – for boiling pasta, broccoli, and peas evenly
  • Colander – for draining pasta and vegetables
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven – for making the creamy homemade cheese sauce
  • Whisk – essential for creating a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce
  • Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring pasta and combining ingredients
  • Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate baking and consistent flavor
  • Box grater (or shredding tool) – for freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch casserole dish) – for baking the mac and cheese until golden and bubbly
  • Oven – to achieve the crispy, golden baked cheese crust
  • Knife and cutting board – for prepping broccoli florets if needed

Ingredients
  

Pasta + Veg

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni or similar pasta
  • 1 ½ cups broccoli florets small pieces
  • 1 cup green peas frozen or fresh

Pasta + Veg

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk whole milk best
  • 1 cup heavy cream or use more milk
  • 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded for stretch + browning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder highly recommended
  • ½ tsp onion powder adds big flavor
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika makes it taste “restaurant-style”
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional but adds amazing depth

Topping

  • ½ cup extra cheddar/mozzarella mix
  • Fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme about 1 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta + veggies
    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
    Cook pasta until just barely al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions).
    In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pot.
In the last 1 minute, add peas.
    Drain everything and set aside.
  • Make the flavorful cheese sauce
    In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
    Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (this removes the raw flour taste).
    Slowly whisk in milk + cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
    Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
    Stir in: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Dijon mustard (if using)
    Turn heat to low and stir in cheddar + mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  • Combine
    Add drained pasta + broccoli + peas into the sauce.
Mix until fully coated.
    Bake for the golden cheesy crust
    Pour into a greased baking dish.
    Top with extra shredded cheese and thyme
    Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15–20 minutes, until bubbling and browned.
    Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispy top.
  • Flavor Tip (Makes it AMAZING)
    Right before serving, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt + black pepper on top and add fresh thyme leaves. It makes the cheese taste richer and more “grown-up.”
  • Result
    Creamy, cheesy, rich mac and cheese with bursts of sweet peas, tender broccoli, and a golden baked crust with thyme flavor.
    • For the creamiest baked mac and cheese, cook pasta just to al dente and use freshly shredded cheese to ensure a smooth, rich, and ultra-creamy homemade cheese sauce with a perfect golden crust.

Notes

  • This creamy broccoli pea baked mac and cheese is a classic from-scratch comfort food casserole made with a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
  • For the best creamy baked mac and cheese texture, cook the pasta just to al dente so it holds its shape during baking.
  • Freshly shredded cheese is highly recommended for a smooth, velvety homemade cheese sauce and better melting consistency.
  • Broccoli and green peas add color, texture, and nutrition, making this a family-friendly vegetable mac and cheese recipe even picky eaters enjoy.
  • The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates both bold flavor and a perfectly gooey, stretchy baked mac and cheese topping.
  • A touch of smoked paprika and Dijon mustard enhances the depth of flavor and gives a subtle restaurant-style mac and cheese taste.
  • Baking the dish uncovered creates a golden, crispy cheese crust that makes this recipe an irresistible oven-baked comfort food classic.
  • This recipe is ideal for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, holiday side dishes, and meal prep because it reheats well and maintains its creamy texture.
  • For extra richness, use whole milk and heavy cream to achieve the ultimate ultra creamy baked mac and cheese sauce.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set for cleaner serving and better texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1400 gramsCalories: 1196kcalCarbohydrates: 102gProtein: 47gFat: 67gSaturated Fat: 40gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 201mgSodium: 1249mgPotassium: 818mgFiber: 7gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2896IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 922mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Dinner, Easy, Fast, recipe
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