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–+ servings
Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese: Your New Family Favorite Dish

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter or margarine for dairy-free option
  • 4 tablespoons flour substitute with gluten-free flour if needed
  • 3 cups milk or almond milk for dairy-free option
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese or Gouda for smokiness
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese or mozzarella for a milder taste
For the Topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispiness
Seasonings
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • garlic powder to taste
Optional Add-Ins
  • vegetables (spinach, roasted garlic) for added nutrition and flavor
  • proteins (turkey, ham) for a heartier dish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • 3-quart baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden.
  3. Gradually add 3 cups of milk, whisking continuously for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in 2 cups cheddar and 1 cup Gruyère until melted.
  4. Fold the macaroni into the cheese sauce, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Whisk constantly to avoid lumps, and mix different cheeses for enhanced flavor. Let rest after baking for easier serving.

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