Name: Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this mac and cheese because it blends simple, wholesome ingredients into something completely indulgent and irresistible. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, but honestly, I’d make this any time I want something cozy. The blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and salty Parmesan adds complex flavor, while the seasoned breadcrumb topping gives it that crave-worthy crunch. It’s easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and is guaranteed to steal the spotlight next to turkey and stuffing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main 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

Cheese Blend:

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then I cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, drain it, and set it aside.
In a large saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, I whisk in the flour and cook it for about 1 minute.
I slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Then I stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Once the sauce thickens slightly, I reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
I add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, mixing well to coat every piece. Then I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
For the topping, I stir the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the mac and cheese.
I bake it for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 generous portions, perfect for a holiday gathering. It takes about 45 minutes total—20 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for baking.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the crowd or mood. Sometimes I mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky bite or caramelized onions for added sweetness. A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce gives it a spicy edge. When I want to save time, I even use pre-shredded cheese, though shredding it myself makes it melt smoother.

storage/reheating

To store leftovers, I let the mac and cheese cool completely before covering and refrigerating it for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of milk to keep it creamy and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For quicker reheating, I microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What cheeses work best for baked mac and cheese?

I stick to bold-flavored, melty cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Parmesan adds a salty kick, but I sometimes swap in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often assemble everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a hit with kids. I sometimes leave out the paprika if little ones prefer milder seasoning.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, I’ve used shells, cavatappi, and penne with great results. Just make sure it’s a sturdy shape that holds onto the cheese sauce well.

How do I make it more decadent?

For an ultra-rich version, I sometimes double the Gruyère or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese. A truffle oil drizzle before serving also adds a fancy touch.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is my go-to when I want to impress and comfort at the same time. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with a golden breadcrumb crust that takes it over the top. Whether I serve it alongside turkey or let it shine on its own, it always earns a spot on my holiday table—and disappears fast.

Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Mia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and cheesy Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate holiday comfort food. Baked to golden perfection with a rich blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, it’s a must-have side dish for your festive table.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.

Season: Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until sauce thickens.

Add Cheeses: Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine: Fold in the cooked macaroni, making sure it’s fully coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Add Topping and Bake: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Add-ins like cooked crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate flavor.

Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated. If baking from chilled, add 10 minutes to cook time.

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