Are you looking for a delicious and comforting mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipe that will be the talk of the table? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through creating a mouthwatering mac and cheese dish that will be perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that has become a staple at many Thanksgiving tables. Whether you’re hosting the big meal or attending someone else’s, this creamy, rich, and satisfying dish is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll share a simple yet delicious mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipe that will impress your guests and make your holiday meal extra special.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipe:
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make the roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until a light golden color is achieved. This is called a roux, which will form the base of your cheese sauce.
- Add the milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream while continuing to cook over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the mac and cheese: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with parsley (optional): Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
And there you have it! Your mouthwatering mac and cheese Thanksgiving recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and watch as your guests are wowed by this creamy, comforting masterpiece.
