Elevate your holiday meal with this creamy, comforting Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe, perfect for family gatherings. This delicious Thanksgiving side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles and warmth to your table.
Discover the details of how to create this ultimate holiday side dish that combines classic comfort with festive flair. It’s designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the season with your loved ones rather than being stressed in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your holiday meal with this creamy, comforting Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe, perfect for family gatherings. This delicious Thanksgiving side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles and warmth to your table. Discover the details of how to create this ultimate holiday side dish that combines classic comfort with festive flair. It’s designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the season with your loved ones rather than being stressed in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta; the starch helps the sauce cling better.
2. Create the Roux: In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste, or roux, forms. This step is crucial for thickening your cheese sauce.
3. Whisk in the Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of warmed whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika.
4. Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, cheesy goodness.
6. Prepare for Baking: If your pot is oven-safe, you can proceed directly. Otherwise, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F (190 C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The breadcrumb topping should be crispy, and the cheese sauce should be hot throughout.
8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: mac and cheese, thanksgiving, holiday, comfort food, cheesy, creamy, side dish, family meal, easy, baked
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese recipe is a true winner for anyone looking to add a touch of homemade goodness to their holiday spread without all the fuss. It works beautifully because it balances rich, indulgent flavors with a preparation method that’s accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s ideal for busy families who want to serve something special during the holidays but might not have hours to spend on complex recipes. This dish is designed to be served as a standout side at your Thanksgiving dinner, complementing turkey, ham, or any other festive main course. Its comforting nature makes it a fantastic addition to any family gathering, large or small, offering that beloved taste of home that everyone craves during the holidays.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese is simple, focusing on readily available items that deliver maximum flavor and creaminess. There are no exotic ingredients here, just good old-fashioned comfort food staples.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
For simple substitutions, you can easily swap out the type of pasta. While elbow macaroni is classic, medium shells or cavatappi also work wonderfully to hold onto that luscious cheese sauce. If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, you can use medium cheddar instead of sharp. For a little extra kick, a touch of smoked paprika can replace regular paprika. Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can be used in a pinch, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. When it comes to the breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used if panko isn’t available, but panko offers a superior crispy texture.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese is designed to be a relatively quick and efficient recipe, perfect for fitting into a busy holiday cooking schedule.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes Total time: 45-50 minutes
This timing ensures you can get a delicious, homemade mac and cheese on the table without it consuming your entire afternoon. The prep involves shredding cheese and cooking pasta, while the cook time focuses on creating the sauce and baking the dish to golden perfection.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Making this creamy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cheesy and comforting dish.
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta; the starch helps the sauce cling better.
- Create the Roux: In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste, or roux, forms. This step is crucial for thickening your cheese sauce.
- Whisk in the Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of warmed whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, cheesy goodness.
- Prepare for Baking: If your pot is oven-safe, you can proceed directly. Otherwise, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The breadcrumb topping should be crispy, and the cheese sauce should be hot throughout.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy variations and creative serving ideas to suit any taste or occasion. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use milder cheddar cheese and ensure the pasta is cooked a bit softer. Kids also love fun pasta shapes, so consider rotini or shells instead of elbows.
If you want to add some extra flavor or texture, consider stirring in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham into the mac and cheese before baking. For a touch of green, a handful of finely chopped, steamed broccoli florets can be added, making it a bit more nutritious. A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce can also enhance the savory flavors beautifully.
When serving for a party or buffet, this mac and cheese holds up well in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting after baking, keeping it gooey and delicious for extended periods. You can also prepare individual portions in small ramekins for a more elegant presentation. As for optional toppings, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color, and a dash of hot sauce on the side can be offered for those who like a little heat. This dish pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, glazed ham, green bean casserole, or any of your favorite holiday main courses and side dishes.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a seemingly simple dish like mac and cheese, there are a few common pitfalls that beginners often encounter. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure your Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese turns out perfectly every time.
One frequent mistake is overcooking the pasta. If the macaroni is too soft before it even goes into the oven, it will become mushy after baking. To avoid this, cook your pasta just until al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when you bite into it. It will finish cooking in the hot cheese sauce in the oven.
Another common issue is a lumpy cheese sauce. This usually happens if the milk is added too quickly to the roux, or if the heat is too high when melting the cheese. To prevent lumps, gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. When adding the cheese, reduce the heat to low and stir gently until it melts smoothly. High heat can cause the cheese to seize and become grainy.
Not seasoning enough is another mistake that can lead to bland mac and cheese. Don’t be afraid to taste your cheese sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The ground mustard and paprika are subtle but essential for depth of flavor.
Finally, a soggy breadcrumb topping can be disappointing. This often occurs if the mac and cheese bakes for too long, or if there isn’t enough butter mixed with the panko. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature, and don’t skip the step of tossing the panko with melted butter. This helps it crisp up beautifully and turn golden brown, providing that satisfying crunch.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Proper storage and make-ahead techniques are key to enjoying this Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese without compromising its delicious texture.
To store leftovers, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the sauce might thicken, so you may need to add a splash of milk (1-2 tablespoons) to help loosen it up.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
