Broccoli and Cheddar Macaroni
Small macaroni in a creamy cheddar sauce with finely chopped, very tender broccoli. A toddler-friendly version of a familiar favorite.
- prep
- 10 min
- cook
- 20 min
- total
- 30 min
- serves
- 4
- level
- easy
This is a softened, home-cooked take on a dish most toddlers already love, with the broccoli cooked down further than usual and chopped small, so the vegetable disappears into the meal rather than sitting as something to negotiate.
Cooking the broccoli right in the pasta water for the last few minutes saves a pot and gets it properly, fully tender by the time both are drained together.
If your little one is still earlier in the journey, start with our Baby's First Foods guide.
Part of our 20 toddler meal ideas list.
method
Cook the macaroni according to the package until fully tender, slightly softer than you might serve an adult. In the last 3 minutes, add the finely chopped broccoli to the same pot to cook alongside it until very soft.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
Take off the heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot and stir to coat evenly. Cool to a safe warm temperature before serving.
chef's tips
- Chop the broccoli small before cooking, and cook it until genuinely very soft, past the point of al dente. Firm broccoli stems are a common choking hazard at this age.
- Cooking the broccoli in the same pasta water is an easy way to avoid a second pot and still get it tender.
- No extra salt needed, the cheddar carries enough flavor for a toddler's portion.
- This reheats well with a small splash of milk stirred in to loosen the sauce back up, since it thickens as it sits.