Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping perfectly cooked pasta while a golden crust beckons you with its crunchy allure. Southern Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a celebration of comfort that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Comforting Chicken Roll Ups. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe.
Every Thanksgiving, this baked mac and cheese takes center stage at our family gatherings. It’s the dish that brings everyone together, sparking laughter and memories as we gather around the table. The anticipation fills the air as the aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising an unforgettable flavor explosion that no one can resist.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is easy enough for beginners yet impressively delicious for seasoned cooks. Its rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. The vibrant contrast of textures makes it visually appealing on any festive table. It’s perfect as a main or side dish, showcasing its versatility to suit all occasions. [/info_box]
I remember one Thanksgiving when my cousin attempted to ‘elevate’ the recipe by adding truffle oil. Let’s just say we still talk about that moment—mostly to tease him!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Elbow Macaroni: A classic choice; choose high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to give your mac and cheese a bold flavor profile.
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Gruyere Cheese: This adds a nutty richness; don’t skip it for depth!
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Whole Milk: Creamy milk helps create that luscious cheese sauce; avoid skim for better results.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt levels in your dish perfectly.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for making your roux; ensure it’s fresh for the best consistency.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an irresistible crunch on top; feel free to season them if you want extra flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside while retaining some pasta water.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until bubbly. Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually whisk in whole milk while maintaining heat. Once thickened, add sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold cooked macaroni into your cheese sauce gently until well-coated. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is reached.
Topping Time!: Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly across the top for that satisfying crunch!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Serve this Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese hot from the oven, letting those cheesy strands stretch as you serve it up! Your friends and family will be raving about this delightful dish long after they’ve licked their plates clean! Thanksgiving Pecan Pie.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its finest. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness are sure to make your family smile. A dash of love combined with a sprinkle of patience makes this dish unforgettable for any holiday gathering. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by boiling the pasta until al dente, then prepare your cheese sauce while it cooks. This keeps everything warm and creamy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheeses or add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. You can also toss in veggies like spinach for a healthier twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that cheesy goodness.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly creamy mac and cheese, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère. Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before baking. Lastly, let it rest after baking to set the cheesy sauce beautifully. [/info_box]
Memories flood back each Thanksgiving as my cousin, a self-proclaimed mac and cheese connoisseur, critiques my dish with a laugh—“Good luck topping this next year!” Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta in Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese?
For more inspiration, check out this Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe recipe.
Absolutely! Just ensure you follow package instructions for cooking times.
What types of cheese work best for this recipe?
Mix sharp cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella for ultimate creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day prior and bake just before serving for best results.
Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for your holiday celebrations. Creamy elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy panko topping creates an irresistible dish that warms hearts and brings families together. Perfect as a main or side dish, this recipe is sure to be a favorite at your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk until thickened. Add sharp cheddar and Gruyere until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
- Pour into a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
