Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic comfort dish, perfect for holiday gatherings. With a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère, it offers rich flavor and a crispy breadcrumb topping that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Try mixing in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for a smoky flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- To add a spicy kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the cheese sauce.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère is not available, Swiss cheese or mozzarella can be used, though they will alter the flavor slightly. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
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Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and indulgent Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese featuring elbow macaroni baked in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs for the perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth, and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta with sauce: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
- Bake the mac and cheese: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can drizzle a little melted butter over the panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Gruyère cheese adds a nutty flavor, but you may use mozzarella or Monterey Jack as alternatives.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to set properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, Gruyère mac and cheese, comfort food, holiday side dish
