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