I see cooking as more than just preparing meals; for me, the kitchen is a magical place full of warmth, laughter, and love. With my two energetic kids, I spend hours creating dishes that not only satisfy their taste buds but also become cherished family traditions. My passion for cooking began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the joy of blending flavors and bonding over food. Now, with a husband and two kids who love to eat, I treasure every moment we spend cooking together, sharing stories, jokes, and ideas.
When Thanksgiving comes, our family looks forward to one special dish: my Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and takes the classic comfort food to festive heights. My kids love helping me stir the cheese sauce and sprinkle the breadcrumbs. I even add a playful twist with global flavors, making our mac and cheese a unique celebration of taste and togetherness, filling our home with irresistible aromas and happy memories.
Why Make This Recipe
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, gooey, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving table! Why settle for plain old mac and cheese when you can elevate it to something truly unique and delightful? This dish combines sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan, creating a symphony of cheesy goodness that your family and friends will rave about.
Moreover, Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is a great way to cater to everyone’s preferences. Whether you have picky eaters or gourmet lovers in your family, this dish satisfies all. It’s hearty and filling, making it an excellent companion to your turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Also, Thanksgiving is about sharing and being grateful, and there’s no better way to express that than by bringing everyone together around a delicious, comforting dish. Plus, making this recipe gives you the chance to involve your own kids in the kitchen, just like Amelia does. They’ll learn valuable cooking skills and create lasting memories, just like she did with her grandmother.
How to Make Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
Making Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is simple and fun! With Amelia’s recipe, you can have a creamy, cheesy dish ready for your holiday table in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Get a 9×13-inch baking dish ready by greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
- Season the sauce with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well-combined.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Allow the Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese to sit for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, if desired. Then it’s ready to be served!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is best served warm, right from the oven. You can pair it as a side dish with the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a rich, satisfying meal. Make it the star of your table by placing it in the center of the spread, inviting everyone to dig in.
You might also want to get creative with serving! Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, or even a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick. In Amelia’s house, they like to set the table beautifully and encourage everyone to serve themselves, fostering a family-style atmosphere that makes every meal feel special.
How to Store Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
If you have any leftovers—though it’s unlikely!—storing Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is simple.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in individual portions. If desired, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for added indulgence.
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
- Use high-quality cheese: The better quality cheese you use, the more flavorful your mac and cheese will be.
- Mix in veggies: For a nutritious twist, try adding steamed broccoli, roasted butternut squash, or sautéed spinach into the mac and cheese. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and nutrition.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to play around with different spices or herbs. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth, while some red pepper flakes can spice things up.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese earlier in the day (or even a day ahead!). Just assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven.
Variations
Amelia likes to keep things exciting in her kitchen. One fun variation is to create a Bacon Mac and Cheese. Simply cook some bacon until crispy and crumble it into the cheese sauce before combining it with the macaroni. This adds a delightful smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
Another variation is a Spicy Mac and Cheese. Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce to give it a fiery kick. Your guests will love the surprising heat in each cheesy bite!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you love. Penne, shells, or cavatappi all work wonderfully in this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese.
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure the cheese you choose is made with vegetarian rennet, and you’re all set for a meat-free holiday side dish.
3. Can I freeze Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Before baking, cover the assembled mac and cheese tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
In conclusion, this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe is a wonderful way to create delicious memories in the kitchen with your loved ones. With Amelia West’s simple yet indulgent recipe, your holiday meal will be celebrated and remembered for years to come.
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Season the sauce with mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.