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.
Ingredients
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)
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
