Gather ’round, my hungry friends, because we’re about to take a Thanksgiving-inspired mac and cheese adventure that’s going to blow your taste buds into flavor paradise! This Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake is an epic, one-of-a-kind dish that’s about to become your new holiday obsession. With its ooey-gooey cheese, savory turkey, and festive fall flair, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s going to have you begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake
This Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate flavor fusion that takes your classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. Imagine velvety, cheese-coated pasta, mixed with tender turkey, crispy bacon, and all the cozy Thanksgiving spices you know and love. It’s a dish that’s equal parts comfort, indulgence, and celebration – perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. Plus, with its easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for Friendsgiving, potlucks, and family gatherings. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like you’ve never tasted before!
Ingredients
For this epic Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake, you’ll need a mouthwatering lineup of ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. We’re talking creamy, melty cheeses, savory turkey, crispy bacon, and autumnal spices that will have your senses dancing. Gather up these all-star players, and let’s get cooking!
- 1 lb – elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – all-purpose flour
- 3 cups – whole milk
- 2 cups – shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 lb – cooked turkey, diced
- 6 slices – crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tsp – dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp – ground sage
- 1/4 tsp – ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey: Diced ham or crumbled sausage (for a different savory protein)
- Cheese Blend: Cheddar and Gruyère (for a richer, more indulgent cheese sauce)
How to Make Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake
Alright, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating this epic Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake. Get ready for some serious flavor magic!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked turkey, crumbled bacon, thyme, sage, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, top the mac and cheese with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter before baking.
- Veggie-Packed: Roast some cubed butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or roasted garlic and stir them into the mac and cheese for a seasonal twist.
- Swap the Cheese: Try using a blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for a more complex, nutty flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give your Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake a delicious kick.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, and a crusty baguette for sopping up all that cheesy goodness.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real, this Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake is not your typical health food. But that’s kind of the point, right? It’s a decadent, indulgent dish that’s meant to be savored and enjoyed. That said, we’ve packed in some nutritional benefits, like protein-rich turkey, fiber-filled pasta, and a generous helping of veggies. So while it may not be the lightest option, it’s a delicious way to fuel up and satisfy your cravings.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 51 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 970 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake vegetarian, simply omit the turkey and use your favorite sautéed or roasted veggies instead. Mushrooms, butternut squash, and caramelized onions would all be delicious additions.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short-cut pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat this mac and cheese?
The best way to reheat this Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the leftovers for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Try These Next
- Thanksgiving Cheesy Bacon Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
- Thanksgiving Leftover Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
- Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac And Cheese Bake
Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for the holidays. Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
– 1 lb elbow macaroni
– 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cups milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
4. 4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. 5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
6. 6. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. 7. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and mix well.
8. 8. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. 9. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
10. 10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
11. 11. Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
– For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or diced tomatoes.
– You can substitute different cheeses based on your preference.
– This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, thanksgiving, comfort food, cheesy bake