Hearty Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese baked in a cast-iron skillet with a crispy breadcrumb and bacon topping, garnished with fresh herbs.

Welcome to your new favorite holiday side! This incredible Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese recipe brings together five rich cheeses and a crunchy topping for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you need a standout side dish or a hearty main course, this gooey, golden bake is sure to impress. Get ready for an explosion of cheesy, crunchy goodness that will elevate your holiday table!

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

You are going to adore this festive Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese for so many reasons. It is truly a holiday showstopper that everyone will rave about.

This dish is an irresistible crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
The combination of five cheeses creates a rich, decadent, and incredibly flavorful experience.
We’ve made this recipe super easy to follow, perfect for beginners and busy parents.
You can easily customize the cheese blend and topping to perfectly match your family’s taste.
It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese. This recipe provides generous servings, perfect for a holiday feast.

Yields: 10 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

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

Choosing the right cheese blend is key to a complex flavor. We use a mix of melting cheeses like American and mozzarella with flavorful, harder cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan for depth. You can swap out a cheese or two based on preference, just ensure you have a good melter in the mix.

While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells. For the crunchy topping, get creative with crushed Ritz crackers, buttery regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips. If whole milk is too rich, you can use 2% milk, but the sauce might be slightly less creamy.

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

Golden, bubbly mac and cheese in a baking dish, topped with bacon, garlic panko, and chili flakes. — Holiday crowd-pleaser: ultra-creamy five-cheese mac crowned with a bacon-garlic panko crunch—bubbly, golden, and ready for the Thanksgiving table.

Instructions

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

Prep Oven & Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour water into a large deep pot and add salt. Place it on high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes until al dente. Drain the macaroni in a strainer, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Make the Crunchy Topping: While the pasta cooks, place chopped bacon in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir and cook for up to 5 minutes until it’s crispy, producing enough fat to cook in. As the bacon sizzles and browns, add the minced garlic, chili flakes (if using), and panko breadcrumbs to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the panko is golden brown and fragrant. Transfer this crunchy topping into a bowl and set it aside for later.
Prepare the 5-Cheese Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet over high heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or whisk to combine both ingredients into a thick, smooth paste, also known as a roux. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to stir and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it has thickened nicely.
Now for the best part! Remove the skillet from the heat, or keep it on very low. Stir in all five shredded cheese variants: American, Mozzarella, Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan. Continue stirring gently until all the cheeses melt completely into the milk, forming a thick, creamy, and wonderfully gooey sauce. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Season the luxurious cheese sauce with ground black pepper to taste, stirring it in thoroughly.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cooked elbow macaroni into the creamy 5-cheese sauce. Gently stir to fold the macaroni into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer this mouthwatering mac and cheese mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the prepared crunchy bacon-panko topping evenly atop the mac and cheese. Place your yummy-looking dish in the preheated oven to bake for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the topping is golden and crispy, and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve this ultimate Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese hot immediately!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results with these smart tips for your homemade mac and cheese.

For the best melt and flavor, always grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth. Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will bake further in the oven. Feel free to adjust the specific cheese types based on your family’s preferences, ensuring a good blend of flavors and melting qualities. To achieve a perfect roux, cook the butter and flour for at least a minute to remove the raw flour taste. To prevent a grainy cheese sauce, avoid adding cheese to boiling milk; add it gradually off the heat or on very low heat. If making ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate, then add the topping and bake before serving.

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

This rich Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is incredibly versatile. It makes an absolutely perfect Thanksgiving side dish, complementing roast turkey, baked ham, or green bean casserole beautifully. However, it’s hearty enough to enjoy as a satisfying main course on its own, perhaps with a simple side salad.

Storage Instructions

Allow any leftover mac and cheese to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for individual servings.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some heat.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, fresh spinach (it will wilt down), or peas for added nutrition.
Protein Addition: Mix in cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage for an even heartier meal.
Different Toppings: Try crushed buttery crackers, plain seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes instead of panko for variety.
Smoked Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into the cheese sauce or use smoked Gouda for some of the shredded cheese.

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.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	550-650
Total Fat	35-45g
Saturated Fat	20-25g
Cholesterol	80-100mg
Sodium	800-1000mg
Total Carbs	35-45g
Dietary Fiber	2-3g
Sugars	5-8g
Protein	25-30g
Calcium	40-50% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to the point of adding the topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What kind of cheese is best?

A good mix of melting cheeses like American, Fontina, or Colby Jack, combined with flavorful, aged cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan, provides the best balance of creaminess and depth for your Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese.
How do I prevent a grainy cheese sauce?

To avoid a grainy sauce, make sure your milk is not boiling when you add the cheese. Add the shredded cheeses gradually, stirring constantly, and ensure the heat is very low or off.
Can I freeze leftover Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese?

You can freeze leftovers, but the texture might change slightly upon reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven.
What if I don’t have all five cheeses?

Don’t worry! You can definitely adapt. Aim for at least three different types of cheese: one for creamy melt (like American or mozzarella), one for sharpness (like cheddar), and one for nutty depth (like Gruyere or Parmesan).

Conclusion

This 5-cheese Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is truly the ultimate holiday side dish, bringing together comforting flavors and textures everyone will adore. Its rich, gooey cheese sauce and crispy topping create an unforgettable culinary experience. We hope you feel confident and excited to try this beginner-friendly recipe for your next holiday gathering. Share your delicious creations and cherished Thanksgiving memories with us!