Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Thanksgiving mac and cheese with golden breadcrumb topping in white baking dish, perfect holiday side dish recipe

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe | Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Side in 45 Minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

This ultimate Thanksgiving mac and cheese features a creamy three-cheese sauce, al dente pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping. A holiday side dish that’s indulgent, crowd-pleasing, and make-ahead friendly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi/shells)
  • 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened (5-7 minutes). Stir in Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan in three additions until smooth.
  5. Fold cooked macaroni into sauce. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
  6. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly on top.
  7. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake with 10 extra minutes. Avoid overcooking pasta, always grate cheese fresh, and let dish rest after baking for best texture. Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen (unbaked).

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: thanksgiving mac and cheese, holiday side dish, creamy baked mac and cheese, three cheese macaroni

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://liyarecipes.com/thanksgiving-mac-and-cheese/