Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! It’s all about gathering with family, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. And let me tell you, no Thanksgiving feast feels complete without a big, gooey dish of *thanksgiving mac and cheese*. The way it fills the house with that irresistible cheesy aroma is just magical! It brings back memories of my grandma stirring up her special recipe, and I can’t help but smile. This creamy, cheesy goodness is the ultimate comfort food that everyone at the table will fight over. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a holiday staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
To whip up this creamy and delicious *thanksgiving mac and cheese*, you’ll need some simple yet satisfying ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni – the classic choice for that perfect bite!
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – trust me, sharp is where the magic happens!
- 2 cups milk – whole or 2% works best for creaminess.
- 1/2 cup butter – because everything’s better with butter, right?
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – this will help thicken your sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt – just enough to enhance the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – for a little kick!
- 1/4 tsp paprika – it adds a lovely warmth and color!
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – for that irresistible crispy topping!
These ingredients blend together to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering *thanksgiving mac and cheese*! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir it all together for about a minute to create a roux—it should be a nice golden color!
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Keep going until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. You want it nice and creamy!
- Now, add in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Once your pasta is ready, drain it and then mix it into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated in that cheesy goodness.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top. This is what gives it that crunchy texture!
- Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—trust me, you don’t want to miss that moment!
And there you have it! A fantastic *thanksgiving mac and cheese* that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional benefits of this scrumptious *thanksgiving mac and cheese*! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, typically contains around 450 calories, 24g of fat, 18g of protein, and 43g of carbohydrates. It’s a cozy dish, but as with all comfort food, moderation is key! Keep in mind that these values are an estimate, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and soul!
- Rich, creamy texture with a crispy topping that everyone adores.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time—just bake before serving!
- Great for customizing with your favorite add-ins—bacon, veggies, or different cheeses!
Tips for Success
To make your *thanksgiving mac and cheese* absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the cheese sauce—let it thicken slowly over medium heat for that creamy consistency. If you want extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or mustard to the cheese mixture! Also, for a truly decadent version, try combining different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack with your cheddar for a unique twist. And remember, baking times can vary, so keep an eye on that golden brown top—once it’s bubbly and crispy, it’s ready to come out! Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes before serving; it’ll help it hold together better when you scoop it out. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up with your *thanksgiving mac and cheese*, there are tons of delicious variations to try! For a fun twist, swap out the cheddar for a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and pepper jack for a creamy, spicy kick. You can also add in some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage for that savory touch—yum! Feeling veggie-inspired? Toss in some steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers to brighten things up. And if you want to take it over the top, try mixing in some truffle oil for an indulgent gourmet flair. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious *thanksgiving mac and cheese*, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for those late-night snack cravings! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. You can add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry. Enjoy every cheesy bite once more!
FAQ Section
Can I make this *thanksgiving mac and cheese* ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping in advance. Just assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven to bake!
What can I add to my mac and cheese for extra flavor?
Oh, the options are endless! You can mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even some roasted garlic for a flavor boost. Adding different cheeses, like Gruyère or Fontina, can elevate the dish even more!
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’ll still get that creamy goodness without the gluten.
How can I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To reheat, add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese before baking it in the oven. This helps keep it creamy and delicious! You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this *thanksgiving mac and cheese* is vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure your cheese doesn’t contain rennet if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
- Mix cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Pour into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or vegetables.
- Can be made ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: thanksgiving mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta
