Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe Everyone Will Rave About
It’s Thanksgiving—a time for family, friends, and a table packed with all the cozy, familiar dishes we wait for all year. And what better to steal the show than a bubbling, golden, creamy mac and cheese?
We’re talking about that unforgettable side dish that everyone reaches for, with the perfect blend of cheeses, a hint of spice, and a crispy breadcrumb top that makes it simply irresistible.
But creating the best mac and cheese can feel tricky.
Some come out too runny, others too thick, or maybe the topping doesn’t get that perfect crunch.
Here, we’ll solve that problem, step-by-step, so you can serve a foolproof, Thanksgiving-worthy mac and cheese with ease.
For those looking for an ideal pairing with this Thanksgiving mac and cheese, consider our Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe for a refreshing, tart balance.
Ingredients for a Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Worth Remembering
The magic of mac and cheese is in the details. Each ingredient adds something special. Let’s break it down.
- Elbow Macaroni (1 lb): Traditional pasta for mac and cheese, it holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Whole Milk (4 cups): Creates a velvety base that binds everything together.
- White Truffle Oil (1 Tbsp, optional): A touch of luxury, adds a subtle earthy flavor for an extra-special twist.
- Cheddar Cheese, Sharp (2 cups, shredded): Gives a rich, sharp flavor, balancing out the creaminess.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds nuttiness and melts perfectly, making the sauce extra smooth.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a stretchy, gooey texture to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): A light touch of garlic adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the savory flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): Gives a smoky edge that adds complexity.
- Salt (1 tsp): Seasoning to balance the flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle kick.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Light and crispy, they’re ideal for a golden topping.
- Butter, Melted (2 Tbsp): Coats the panko, making the topping even crispier.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional): A pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Step-By-Step Guide to Make the Best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a side dish that folks won’t stop talking about!
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Macaroni
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour, whisking constantly for about a minute to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to remove any lumps, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- For that unique touch, add the white truffle oil at this stage to infuse the sauce with subtle earthy notes.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with that creamy goodness.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, festive touch.
If you’re planning a full Thanksgiving spread, these Quick Dinner Rolls make the perfect, fluffy side that complements the richness of mac and cheese.
Thanksgiving Mac And Cheese Recipe Recap
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Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
Description
This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is the perfect creamy, cheesy side dish that pairs well with classic holiday flavors. With a smooth, rich cheese sauce, a blend of three cheeses, and a crispy panko topping, this mac and cheese is elevated with a hint of white truffle oil, adding a subtle aroma and depth.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon white truffle oil (optional, for added depth)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux (smooth paste).
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and add the truffle oil for a unique twist, stirring well. Add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring over low heat until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine pasta and sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all pasta is coated.
5. Assemble the dish
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
6. Bake
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Adding a small amount of white truffle oil elevates this classic Thanksgiving side dish by bringing out earthy and nutty undertones in the cheese blend. It provides a unique aroma that makes the dish feel festive and refined, without overpowering the traditional flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Mac and Cheese
- Milk: Try half-and-half for an even creamier result, or use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Gruyère Cheese: If Gruyère is hard to find, Swiss cheese or even Fontina makes a fine substitute.
- White Truffle Oil: While optional, it adds a sophisticated twist. Substitute with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if unavailable.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives a lighter, airier crunch.
Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
- Choose Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Gruyère melt smoothly and pack more flavor.
- Thickening the Sauce: Use a steady whisk and medium heat when adding flour to avoid lumps.
- For the Crisp Factor: Panko and butter make a golden crust that contrasts with the creamy interior.
- Flavor Twist: A little truffle oil makes this dish memorable and adds depth.
For a festive dessert, try our Simple Moist Chocolate Cake, which finishes a hearty meal with a touch of decadence.
Holiday Mac And Cheese FAQs
Yes! Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a touch of milk to keep it creamy.
Freezing isn’t ideal as it may change the texture. It’s best fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Sharp cheddar for flavor, Gruyère for nuttiness, and mozzarella for gooey texture.
Use whole milk and a mix of cheeses with high melting points like cheddar and Gruyère.
Swap out pasta for gluten-free elbow macaroni and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
It’s an optional, special touch that brings out earthy, rich undertones, making it more festive.
With this Thanksgiving mac and cheese, you’re set to wow your guests. Its creamy base, crispy top, and the subtle aroma of truffle oil make it a standout addition to your holiday spread.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.