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–+ servings
Thanksgiving Mac Cheese

Irresistible Thanksgiving Mac Cheese That Steals the Show

This Thanksgiving Mac Cheese combines rich cheddar and Gruyère for an unforgettable, creamy comfort food experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with shells or penne.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Aged white cheddar can be used for richer taste.
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Fontina can be used as a substitute.
  • 3 cups Whole Milk Provides creaminess.
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Can use margarine, but flavor will differ.
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce.
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Mix with melted butter for a crispy finish.

Equipment

  • Large baking dish
  • medium saucepan
  • Large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Mac Cheese
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 6–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk to the roux while whisking constantly and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar and 1 cup of gruyère until melted.
  5. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs on top.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Cover with foil if the breadcrumbs brown too quickly.
  8. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and cook pasta to al dente. This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated.

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