Get ready to elevate your holiday spread with this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe—a gloriously creamy, irresistibly cheesy baked pasta dish that has earned a spot of honor at our family table. Mac and cheese is classic comfort food, but when you add a blend of decadent cheeses, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a buttery panko topping, it transforms into a cozy, celebratory showstopper perfect for Thanksgiving. This recipe is rich, crowd-pleasing, and destined to steal the spotlight from every other side dish. Whether you’re serving it to classic mac lovers or holiday guests searching for a new favorite, one thing’s certain—this is not your average mac and cheese!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish doesn’t rely on complicated ingredients—just thoughtfully chosen ones that balance creaminess, bold flavor, and a golden, crisp topping. Each component plays a critical role in the final taste and texture, so don’t be tempted to swap anything out unless you truly need to!
- Elbow macaroni: Classic for holding onto all that cheesy sauce in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Builds the rich roux base and adds buttery flavor without oversalting.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving your mac and cheese its signature creaminess.
- Whole milk: Lends body and a traditional dairy sweetness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: For extra richness and a dreamy, luxurious texture in every forkful.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that livens up the cheese flavor without being overpowering.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for coaxing out every nuance of the cheeses and spices.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The backbone of the cheese blend—bold, melty, and familiar.
- Gruyère cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully and brings a nutty, complex flavor to the mix.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Ensures every bite stretches into gooey bliss.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a sharp, salty finish and pairs perfectly with the crispy topping.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a light, shatteringly crisp crust on top.
- Melted butter (for topping): Binds the crumbs and helps them toast to golden perfection.
- Smoked paprika: A pinch lends beautiful color and a whiff of smoky aroma.
How to Make Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the elbow macaroni just until it’s al dente—about 7 to 8 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender but still have a slight bite, since it will continue cooking once baked. Drain well and set aside while you start the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently, then whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth, pale paste. Let it bubble for a minute or two, whisking constantly—this step cooks out the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a velvety sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk the whole milk and heavy cream into the roux, pouring gradually and stirring all the while. Keep whisking for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens and is completely smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; this is your flavor base. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses a handful at a time, stirring between each addition until silky and fully melted.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni into your luscious cheese sauce and gently fold everything together. Every piece of pasta should be delightfully coated, ready to become everyone’s new favorite bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mac and cheese, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika; this mixture should resemble damp sand and will transform into a crisp, flavorful crust. Sprinkle it evenly across the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling at the edges and the breadcrumb topping is deep golden. Let the Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can set up slightly—this makes each scoop picture-perfect.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even some finely snipped chives on top just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds intrigue and a little savory pop, while a few cracks of black pepper give it a grown-up finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe with the greats: think roasted Brussels sprouts, garlicky green beans, or a crisp apple and walnut salad. It also cozies up beautifully next to turkey and all your favorite holiday fixings, bringing creamy balance to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this mac and cheese in a big, rustic casserole for family-style feasting, or portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant touch. For fun, try adding festive toppers—like crispy fried onions or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for guests to add as they please. The warm, cheesy aroma alone will draw a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking bites straight from the fridge!
Freezing
This mac and cheese freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or cover the whole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout. A quick broil at the end can help revive the crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for the Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe, shells, cavatappi, or rotini all soak up the cheese sauce beautifully. Just be sure to cook any shape just until al dente for best results.
Which cheeses can be substituted?
Don’t be afraid to get creative. If you don’t have Gruyère, try Swiss or fontina. Monterey Jack works in place of mozzarella. Just keep a balance of sharp, creamy, and stretchy cheeses for the best texture and flavor.
How do I keep the cheese sauce from turning grainy?
The secret lies in gentle heat and patience. Add the cheese off the heat or over very low heat, and always stir continuously. Using freshly grated cheese (not pre-shredded) helps ensure your Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe stays ultra-creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything (up to the breadcrumb topping) a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, sprinkle on the topping and bake as directed, extending the bake by about 10 minutes if straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe is naturally vegetarian, as long as your cheeses are made without animal rennet. Check your cheese labels if this is a concern.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side dish that combines holiday nostalgia with pure comfort, you can’t go wrong with this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s rich, festive, and always a runaway favorite at the table. Give it a try this year—you might just start a new holiday tradition!
Print
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a must-have side dish for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and smoked paprika; sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let sit before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
