This Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese for Kids is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavour. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and sweet apple pieces, it's a simple family-friendly meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. The apples soften slightly as they cook and add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar cheese.
Save this recipe!
Enter your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll receive new recipes and feeding tips from me each week!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you. I am only an affiliate to brands and products that I use myself and truly believe in and align with. You can read more here on my Disclosures, Disclaimer and Privacy Page.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese for Kids
- Creamy and cheesy: Sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
- A fun flavour combination: Sweet apple and sharp cheddar are a classic pairing that work surprisingly well together.
- Ready in 20 minutes: This simple stovetop meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly: The tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and slightly sweet apple make this a fun meal for toddlers and kids.
- Includes fruit and vegetables: Broccoli and apple add colour, texture, and variety to this family-friendly meal.
Ingredients for Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese
Here is what you'll need to make this yummy pasta dish!
- Macaroni Noodles: The base of this recipe. Any small pasta shape will work, but classic macaroni is perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.
- Butter: Butter helps create a rich flavour and forms the base of the cheese sauce.
- Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets add colour, texture, and a delicious savoury flavour that pairs well with the cheddar cheese.
- Milk: Milk helps create a smooth and creamy sauce. I typically use whole milk, but any milk will work.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this mac and cheese its rich flavour and pairs perfectly with the sweet apple pieces.
- Apple: Diced apple adds a touch of natural sweetness. Honeycrisp and Gala apples work especially well in this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper helps bring all the flavours together.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese for Kids
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
Drain and set aside.
Return the pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
Add the diced apple and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the milk and add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot and stir until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Hint: For the creamiest mac and cheese, shred the cheddar cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce.
Substitutions
- Macaroni Noodles: Any small pasta shape will work in place of macaroni, such as shells, rotini, or fusilli.
- Broccoli: Cauliflower, peas, or finely chopped spinach can be used instead of broccoli.
- Milk: Any milk will work in this recipe, including dairy milk, oat milk, or unsweetened soy milk.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: White cheddar, marble cheddar, or a combination of cheeses can be used. For the best flavour, choose a cheese with a bit of sharpness.
- Apple: Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia, or Granny Smith apples all work well. Sweeter apples will create a milder flavour, while tart apples provide more contrast with the cheese.
- Butter: Olive oil can be used in place of butter if preferred.
- Seasonings: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for an extra flavour boost.
Variations
For a dairy-free mac and cheese, check out this recipe here. And for a fun twist on macaroni and cheese, be sure to check out these Veggie Macaroni & Cheese Muffins - they are soo good in lunchboxes!
And if you need more lunch ideas, I have an Ultimate List of Toddler Lunch Ideas here and for lunchbox ideas for daycare or school, check out my post on 15+ Easy Bento Box Lunch Ideas!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
Storage
Store leftover Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if needed to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
Dietitian Tip
If your toddler is unsure about mixed dishes, try serving a few extra broccoli florets or apple pieces on the side. This allows them to see the ingredients that make up the meal and decide whether they'd like to eat them together or separately.
Remember, it's completely normal for toddlers to prefer foods served separately. Repeated, pressure-free exposure helps children build familiarity and confidence with new foods over time!
What to Serve with Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese
This Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides.
Try serving it with:
- Fresh fruit such as strawberries, grapes (cut lengthwise), or orange slices
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips
- A simple side salad
- Extra apple slices
- Snap peas
- Carrot sticks and dip
This mac & cheese also pairs well with shredded chicken, meatballs, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
Here I've served it with some cut-up strawberry and cucumber slices.
FAQ
A crisp apple such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia, or Granny Smith works best. These apples soften slightly during cooking while still adding a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish.
It's completely normal for toddlers to sometimes prefer foods served separately. If your child isn't a fan of mixed dishes, try serving a few extra broccoli florets or apple pieces on the side of the mac and cheese, and let your child choose if they want to mix it in or eat it separately.
Both approaches provide pressure-free exposure, and help children become more familiar and comfortable with different foods and textures over time.
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Add it directly to the pot and cook for an extra minute or two until tender.
Yes. The recipe will still be delicious as a classic broccoli mac and cheese, though the apples add a subtle sweetness and texture that pairs really well with the sharp cheddar.
The apples add a subtle sweetness that balances the sharp cheddar cheese without overpowering the savoury flavour of the dish.
Recipe
Broccoli & Apple Mac and Cheese for Kids
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Strainer
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni pasta noodles about 1 cup
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup broccoli florets chopped into small florets
- 1 apple medium, diced into small pieces
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese sharp
- ⅓ cup milk
- dash salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are draining, return the pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
- Add the diced apple and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the milk and heat until warmed through. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot and stir until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Save this recipe!
Enter your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll receive new recipes and feeding tips from me each week!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Leave a Reply