Description
Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that elevates your holiday feast. With its creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer, this dish is both indulgent and satisfying. Easy to make and sure to impress your guests, it has quickly become a cherished tradition in many homes. Prepare for raving compliments as you serve this crowd-pleaser at your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg