Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is literally the most perfect recipe, ever. You can’t have a holiday meal without making up this cheesy dish. It’s loaded with so much cheese, you’re literally not going to believe it.

Make sure to check out all of my Thanksgiving recipes and my Thanksgiving cookbook, too!

I really do love the texture and creaminess of this mac and cheese recipe. There is so much cheese in this recipe, you’re literally not going to believe it. Each bite is so loaded down but it pairs perfectly with the rest of the recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter – divided
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• ½  teaspoon salt
• ¼  teaspoon pepper
• 1 ½  cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 oz. cubed Velveeta
• 2 Tbsp. panko bread crumbs

How to make Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

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1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, then strain, return to pot, and set aside. 
3. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to a saucepan and melt over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. 
4. Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for about two minutes until thickened, whisking continuously. 
5. Reduce heat to low, then add in the cheeses, stirring until cheese is fully melted. 
6. Pour the cheese sauce over macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer to a greased 1.5-qt. baking dish.  
7. Melt the remaining 1 Tbsp. butter, pour into a bowl, then add the bread crumbs and carefully stir to combine. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the top of the macaroni. 
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Recipe FAQs and Notes

Can you change up the type of cheese?

Absolutely. Just make sure that you’re using a cheese that is easy to melt. It needs to melt smoothly and creamy and not be stringy.

What other topping can you add to mac and cheese?

I really like the panko crumbs but you can add French onion strings or even some bacon bits on top as well. Anything to give that crunch!

WHat is the best way to reheat macaroni and cheese?

Low and slow is always best. I usually pour just a tad bit of milk or add some butter in when I’m reheating as well so that it adds some moisture to pair with the heat.

Grab a copy of Gather – A Thanksgiving Cookbook to create a memorable holiday meal!

Enjoy these other side dish recipes

• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
• Four-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese
• Wine Tasting Charcuterie Board

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe