Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking to add a cozy, crowd-pleasing side to your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection with a crunchy, buttery topping that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. This dish balances rich cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan with a perfectly seasoned béchamel sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving feast or any special gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and luscious texture of the Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe. From tender elbow macaroni to a blend of four different cheeses, every component is essential to create this classic holiday side.

• 16 oz elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto all that cheesy sauce.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the base for the sauce and topping, adding richness and depth.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• 3 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds extra indulgence and silky mouthfeel.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the cheese.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory note.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Gives a mild sweetness and depth.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of color and smoky flavor.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The backbone cheese for that classic tangy, creamy bite.
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully with a touch of nutty flavor.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Provides stretch and milky smoothness.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, umami hit to the sauce and topping.

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy crust on top.
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Ensures the breadcrumbs toast up golden and flavorful.
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: Added to the topping for an extra punch of cheesy goodness.
• Pinch of paprika (optional): Sprinkled on top for that perfect finish and mild smokiness.

How to Make Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until it’s just al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the oven. Once drained, set it aside and get ready to make the luscious cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cooking this for 1 to 2 minutes is essential to cook out the raw flour taste and start thickening your sauce. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to build layers of flavor that really make this dish stand out.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Remove the sauce from heat and immediately stir in all four cheeses: sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan. These cheeses blend beautifully to create that silky, rich cheese sauce with a dynamic flavor profile. Make sure the sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfectly melted before tossing in your cooked macaroni.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Toss the macaroni in the cheese sauce so every piece is luxuriously coated. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare and Add Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of paprika if you like a mild smoky flavor. This topping will bake to a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese below. Sprinkle it evenly over the pasta.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. Adding a few extra shavings of Parmesan right before serving can give an elegant touch. For an extra pop, consider a dusting of smoked paprika or a handful of crispy bacon bits if you want a smoky kick.

Side Dishes

This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday staples like roasted turkey, honey-glazed carrots, and green bean almondine. It also complements tangy cranberry sauce or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a charming seasonal presentation. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with other sides for a unique mac and cheese parfait experience that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the baked dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly—about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, removing it during the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the breadcrumbs. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven method keeps the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing texture or flavor.

What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?

The blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan in this recipe gives a perfect balance of sharpness, creaminess, and meltability. You can experiment with other cheeses like fontina or gouda, but those four create the classic holiday flavor we all crave.

Can I add proteins like bacon or sausage?

Yes! Adding cooked chopped bacon or sausage is an excellent way to introduce smokiness and savory depth. Simply mix in your cooked protein after combining the macaroni with the cheese sauce before baking.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?

Use a creamy béchamel sauce with enough milk and cream to keep the pasta moist. Also, avoid overbaking—once the topping is golden and bubbly, it’s ready. Covering with foil during baking can help retain moisture as well.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can fully assemble the Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food, perfect for gathering everyone around the table and making memories. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, it’s bound to be a highlight of your holiday meal. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that feels like a warm, cheesy hug in every bite!

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 49 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese recipe combining a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses baked with a crunchy buttery panko topping. Perfect as a comforting holiday side dish that’s cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead of time.

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Ingredients

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Mac and Cheese

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the macaroni: Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until completely smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and an optional pinch of paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. Bake to finish: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbly. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

• For a smoky flavor, add cooked chopped bacon or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
• Use freshly shredded cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
• To make it gluten free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American