This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe is pure holiday comfort. Creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor, it brings warmth to your festive table.
The velvety cheese sauce coats every noodle perfectly. It’s a dish that everyone will reach for twice. Each bite combines nostalgia and indulgence in one delicious spoonful.
Unlike regular mac and cheese, this version feels extra special. With buttery breadcrumbs and baked golden perfection, it shines beside turkey and stuffing.
It’s easy, quick, and irresistibly creamy. Whether hosting a big dinner or an intimate meal, this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe never disappoints.
Each ingredient blends to create that perfect, cheesy balance. Trust me, this will be the most requested side dish at your feast.
When I First Introduced To
I first tried this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe at a friend’s potluck. One bite, and I knew it was unforgettable.
The cheesy aroma filled the room, and everyone went back for seconds. I decided to recreate it with my own twist, and it became a family tradition.
Now, no Thanksgiving dinner feels complete without this creamy, dreamy mac and cheese on the table.
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Cheese grater
Ingredients List
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter

Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain well.
- In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth and thick.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly.
- Cook until sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine sauce with macaroni in a large bowl.
- Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle mixture evenly over top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking.
- Add cream cheese for extra richness.
- Mix cheese varieties for deeper flavor.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan before baking.
- Use panko for crispier topping.
- Double recipe for larger gatherings.
What Can You Serve With Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
1. Roasted Turkey Breast: Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, it complements the creamy pasta.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Light and crisp, they balance the richness beautifully.
3. Cranberry Sauce: Sweet-tart flavor pairs wonderfully with cheesy comfort.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect side dish for your holiday feast. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s comfort in every bite.
Easy to prepare and always crowd-pleasing, it fits every festive spread. Serve it alongside turkey, greens, or cranberries, and watch everyone ask for seconds.
Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to Thanksgiving classic every year.

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain well.
- In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth and thick.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly.
- Cook until sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine sauce with macaroni in a large bowl.
- Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle mixture evenly over top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking.
- Add cream cheese for extra richness.
- Mix cheese varieties for deeper flavor.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan before baking.
- Use panko for crispier topping.
- Double recipe for larger gatherings.
Leave a Reply