First, cut the broccoli into medium size florets and measure out 3 cups of water with a measuring cup.
Next, pour the water into the cooking pot, cover it with a lid, and bring the water to a boil.
Then, place a steamer basket into the cooking pot above the water.
Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket, close the lid, and steam them over medium heat for 6-7 minutes.
The broccoli is ready when it turns bright green and is still a little bit crunchy.
Then, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot and set the broccoli aside for later.
Cooking the Pasta
First, use the measuring cup and spoons to measure out all of the mac and cheese ingredients.
Then, pour the water, olive oil, and salt into the cooking pot.
Cover with a lid and bring the ingredients to a boil.
Once boiling, add the box of elbow pasta.
Cook the pasta per the package instructions, for about 10-12 minutes.
Next, position a colander in the sink or in a large heat-resistant bowl.
Lastly, thoroughly drain the cooked pasta.
Making the Best Mac & Cheese
First, preheat the oven to 350°F and set out the cutting board with the steamed broccoli.
Then, carefully cut the steamed broccoli florets into small pieces.
Next, add the heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooking pot.
Continuously stir the ingredients with a blending whisk while bringing them to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, remove the sauce from the heat and add in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
Blend the cheese into the sauce with a silicone spatula.
Then, pour the cooked pasta into a casserole dish.
Pour the homemade cheese sauce on top of the macaroni pasta.
Then, add in the chopped broccoli florets.
Next, add in the bacon bits.
Mix all of the macaroni and cheese ingredients together with a spatula until completely combined.
Then, cover the top of the mac and cheese generously with bread crumbs.
Bake the broccoli mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Finally, remove the pasta dish from the oven and serve!
Video
Notes
Mac and Cheese StorageTo store mac and cheese: transfer the cooled pasta dish to a shallow, airtight container or a Ziploc bag. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always label the date on the outside of the container to keep up with freshness.