Description
This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta bake perfect as a side or main dish during the holiday season. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, it features a buttery panko breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Create the Roux and Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually add the warmed milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder if using. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth to create a rich cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare Topping and Bake: Pour the mac and cheese into the greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier serving and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving but hearty enough to serve as a main course.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted butternut squash before baking.
- Use Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Ensure the milk is warm before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Let the mac and cheese rest after baking to allow the sauce to thicken.
