Description
Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish that steals the spotlight at holiday gatherings. This comforting classic features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. Perfect for both Thanksgiving dinner and cozy get-togethers, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup sharp, 1 cup mild)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux; cook until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in cheddar until melted.
- Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg