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–+ servings
Thanksgiving Mac Cheese

Creamy Thanksgiving Mac Cheese That'll Steal the Show

Indulge in this creamy Thanksgiving Mac Cheese that's sure to steal the show during your holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Any small pasta shape works just as well.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated for best results.
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Can substitute with aged Gouda or Fontina.
  • 4 cups Whole Milk Low-fat milk can compromise texture.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Salted butter can be used, adjust added salt.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour if needed.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Mix with melted butter for enhanced crunch.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Mac Cheese
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook for 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add 4 cups of whole milk to the roux while whisking constantly, stirring for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyère until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Freshly grated cheese ensures a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust baking time as necessary for different ovens. Creative additions like bacon or veggies can enhance the flavor.

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