Mac and Cheese Recipe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in all of your favorite comfort foods. And what better comfort food than a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese? This classic dish is a must-have on any Thanksgiving table and will leave your guests begging for seconds. Follow this simple yet delicious mac and cheese recipe for a Thanksgiving meal that everyone will remember.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until every piece is coated evenly.
- Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- For a little kick, add some diced jalapenos to the cheese sauce.
- Looking to add some protein? Mix in some cooked and chopped bacon or diced ham before baking.
- For a more indulgent dish, substitute heavy cream for some of the milk in the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to use your favorite combination of cheeses. Gouda, fontina, and mozzarella are great options.
- Add a crispy topping by mixing in some crushed Ritz crackers with the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
Safety Precautions
When working with hot liquids, use caution and protect your hands and arms to avoid burns.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
- Whisk in flour and simmer until bubbly
- Gradually add milk to avoid lumps
- Bring mixture to a boil and let it thicken
- Remove from heat and add seasonings
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted
- Mix cooked macaroni into cheese sauce
- Pour into greased baking dish
- Mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese and sprinkle over mac and cheese
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes
Expert Tips for Premium Results
- Grate your own cheese for a creamier and meltier texture.
- To avoid a dry mac and cheese, do not overcook the pasta and add a little extra milk to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to personalize the dish to your liking.
- For a cheesy crust on top, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese over the bread crumbs before baking.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it is heated through.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of short pasta like penne, shells, or bowties.
Q: How do I store any leftovers?
A: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze this mac and cheese before or after baking. Just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free macaroni and replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, you can use vegan macaroni, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese substitutes. Check the labels to make sure they are vegan-friendly.
Q: Is this dish suitable for children?
A: Yes, this mac and cheese recipe is a kid-friendly favorite. You can even add some pureed vegetables to the cheese sauce for added nutrition.
Follow this delicious mac and cheese recipe for a guaranteed hit on your Thanksgiving table. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it is the perfect dish to accompany your holiday feast. And with these expert tips and safety precautions, you will have a stress-free and delicious meal. Happy Thanksgiving!
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