The Ultimate 5-Cheese Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re searching for a Thanksgiving side dish that actually stands out on a crowded holiday table, this five-cheese Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need. Forget the bland boxed versions—this one is rich, creamy, irresistibly golden, and topped with a crunchy, savory layer that steals the spotlight every time. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this dish delivers pure comfort in every bite. Get ready for a holiday classic that people will request year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

You’re going to adore this festive mac and cheese for so many reasons:

• Serious crowd-pleaser: This pan is always one of the first dishes to disappear at holiday gatherings.
• Five-cheese flavor: A blend of American, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan creates a sauce that is creamy, complex, and irresistibly rich.
• Beginner-friendly: Clear steps and simple ingredients make this recipe easy even if you don’t cook often.
• Customizable: You can swap cheeses, adjust the spice level, or change the topping to match your family’s taste.
• Holiday tradition material: It feels special enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations, but simple enough to make any time you’re craving comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 2 cups of Elbow macaroni
• Salt to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons of Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons of All-purpose flour
• 3 cups of Whole milk
• 1 cup of American cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Ground black pepper to taste

For the Crunchy Topping:

• Bacon, chopped (from 4-5 slices)
• 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of Fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of Chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley to garnish, optional

Notes & Substitutions

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shapes like cavatappi, shells, or small penne also work well.
• Cheese blend: The mix of good melters (American, mozzarella) plus flavorful aged cheeses (sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan) gives the best balance of creaminess and depth. You can swap one or two cheeses as long as you keep at least one great melting cheese and one sharper cheese.
• Milk: Whole milk makes the creamiest sauce. You can use 2% milk if needed, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
• Topping: Panko makes a very crisp topping, but crushed buttery crackers, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips can stand in.
• Spice level: Chili flakes are optional; reduce or omit them for a kid-friendly version, or add a bit more if your family likes a spicy kick.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delicious dish.

• Large deep pot
• Large non-stick skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer
• Mixing bowls
• Oven

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the ultimate Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese. We break it down to make it super simple for you.

1. Prep the Oven and Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Fill a large deep pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Add the elbow macaroni, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, just until al dente.
4. Drain the pasta in a strainer and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking and remove extra starch.
5. Set the cooked macaroni aside.

2. Make the Crunchy Topping

1. While the pasta cooks, place the chopped bacon in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and has released its fat.
3. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes (if using), then stir in the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring, until the panko is golden and fragrant.
5. Transfer the crunchy bacon-panko mixture to a bowl and set aside.

3. Prepare the Five-Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux and cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat (or keep it on very low). Add the shredded American, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.
6. Stir gently for 5–7 minutes, until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is silky and thick.
7. Season to taste with ground black pepper. (The cheeses and bacon add salt, so taste before adding extra salt.)

4. Assemble and Bake

1. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet of cheese sauce. Fold gently until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy five-cheese sauce.
2. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the bacon-garlic-panko topping evenly over the surface.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, just until the topping is golden and crisp and the edges of the mac and cheese are bubbling.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Grate your own cheese: Blocks of cheese melt smoother than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it bakes again, keep it slightly under al dente when boiling.
• Make a smooth roux: Cook the butter and flour together for at least a minute, stirring constantly, before adding milk. This prevents a floury taste and helps thicken the sauce properly.
• Control the heat: Add the cheese with the heat very low or off completely. High heat can cause the cheese to seize and turn grainy.
• Make-ahead option: Assemble the mac and cheese (without the topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the topping and bake until hot and bubbly, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Research on food additives suggests that anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can hinder a smooth melt and create a grainy texture in sauces.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this dish as a Thanksgiving side next to turkey, ham, roast chicken, or beef.
• Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
• It’s hearty enough to enjoy as a main dish for a cozy family dinner any time of year.

Storage Instructions

• Let leftovers cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli florets, peas, or a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach to the pasta before mixing with the sauce.
• Extra Protein: Mix in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage for a more filling main course.
• Different Toppings: Swap panko for crushed buttery crackers, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes.
• Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika to the sauce or replace part of the cheese with smoked Gouda.

Nutrition Information

Please note that these nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This rich dish provides a significant amount of energy, protein, and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This five-cheese Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is a total holiday winner. It delivers everything you want in a special-occasion dish: a silky, ultra-creamy sauce, a perfectly cooked pasta base, and a crunchy, savory topping that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy enough for busy cooks, yet impressive enough to earn a permanent spot on your holiday table.

If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a comment and a star rating—your feedback really helps others find it. And if you loved it, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest or Facebook so friends and family can try it too.

The Ultimate 5-Cheese Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe

This ultimate 5-cheese Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe combines creamy pasta with a rich blend of five cheeses and a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb topping, baked to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 6 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large, deep pot
• skillet
• Bowl
• Oven
• Strainer

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons Flour
• 3 cups Milk
• 1 cup American cheese shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Bacon chopped
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Garlic chopped
• 2 tablespoons Chili flakes
• Parsley to garnish, optional

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
• For the topping, cook chopped bacon in a skillet on medium heat for 5 minutes until crisp. Add chopped garlic, chili flakes, and panko breadcrumbs; stir and cook for 2 more minutes, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter over high heat. Stir in flour to create a thick paste, then reduce heat to medium, add milk, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
• Meanwhile, add uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
• Once the milk has thickened, incorporate all five shredded cheeses and stir for 5-7 minutes until they are fully melted into a thick, creamy, and gooey sauce.
• Drain the cooked macaroni, rinsing with cold water to remove excess starch.
• Combine the macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce, season with ground black pepper to taste, and stir to distribute flavors evenly.
• Spread the prepared topping evenly over the mac and cheese, then bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes before serving immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheeses as pre-shredded varieties can contain anti-caking agents that affect meltiness. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference.