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Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Delight

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Delight – Creamy, Cheesy & Perfectly Golden

This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort dish for the holidays. Creamy, cheesy pasta baked with a crunchy golden topping, it’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor. Perfect as a side for your Thanksgiving feast or any cozy family dinner, this recipe blends classic cheddar with a touch of creaminess and a buttery breadcrumb topping for the perfect balance of gooey and cris
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Holiday, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk whole or 2%
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, for extra flavor
For the Topping:
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing spoon
  • Small bowl for topping

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Remove from heat and fold in cheddar and Gruyère until melted and creamy.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce – Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Prepare Topping – In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika.
  5. Assemble and Bake – Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes before serving for a perfect cheesy pull.

Notes

Make Ahead:
Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake when ready to serve.
Cheese Variations:
Mix cheddar, Gouda, or Fontina for extra depth.
Add-Ins:
Cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted butternut squash can be stirred in for a festive twist.
Creamier Option:
Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce before baking.