When it comes to holiday dinners, there are certain dishes that make the table feel complete. Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing sides that everyone looks forward to. It’s creamy, cheesy, golden, and just indulgent enough to feel special for the holidays—yet simple enough that even beginner cooks can master it.
This recipe is a hug in a dish: buttery pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce, baked until bubbling with a crisp topping. It’s the perfect companion to turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, adding a creamy richness that ties the whole meal together.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish / Pasta |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Calories | ~420 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside. - Make the cheese sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly nutty. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream until smooth. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). - Add seasoning and cheese
Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove from heat, then fold in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. - Combine pasta and sauce
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. - Make the topping
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese. - Bake until golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and lightly browned. - Serve and enjoy
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Cheese tip: Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Thickening sauce: If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer another 2–3 minutes before adding cheese.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked shredded turkey for a hearty twist.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Lighter version: Use 2% milk instead of whole milk and skip the heavy cream for a leaner dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing for the ultimate Thanksgiving plate.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a balanced meal.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan or drizzle a little truffle oil on top for a luxurious holiday touch.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is creamy, cozy, and absolutely irresistible. With its golden crust and cheesy, comforting flavor, it’s sure to become a holiday tradition at your table. Make it fresh, share it with family, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds.