Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese: Best 7-Ingredient Recipe

Get ready to make the easiest, cheesiest, and most unforgettable side dish of the season with our recipe for Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese: Best 7-Ingredient Recipe! This simplified approach ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday.

Forget complicated cheese sauces and long baking times; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds at your holiday table.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish

Thanksgiving dinner is a feast of traditions, and for many, mac and cheese is an essential part of the spread. Our 7-ingredient version offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without the fuss.

It’s rich enough to feel decadent but simple enough to prepare even on the busiest cooking days. This truly is a delightful and easy side dish.

Why This 7-Ingredient Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe Works

This recipe is a game-changer for holiday meal prep. It focuses on core ingredients that deliver big on flavor, eliminating unnecessary steps and components.

By streamlining the process, we guarantee a luscious, creamy, and undeniably delicious Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese in under 30 minutes. It’s truly a winner for any holiday gathering.

Simple Ingredients for Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese

Gathering your ingredients for this easy mac and cheese couldn’t be simpler. You likely have most of these on hand already!

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly shredded Gruyère cheese
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Optional: Black pepper, pinch of nutmeg

Ingredient Notes

Always shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother and creates a richer sauce.

Whole milk is preferred for its creaminess, but 2% can work in a pinch. For an extra luxurious touch in your Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese, consider a splash of heavy cream with the milk.

How to Make the Best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

Preparing this dish is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a comforting and flavorful side.

Follow these steps closely for a perfect outcome every time. For more general cooking tips, check out some expert advice on cheese sauces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Roux: In the same pot (or a separate large saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms and smells slightly nutty.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses to the milk mixture, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt and any optional pepper or nutmeg.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated. Serve hot immediately.

Tips for the Cheesiest Mac

To achieve the ultimate cheesy texture, always serve your mac and cheese fresh. The sauce is at its creamiest right off the stove.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese combinations, keeping the shredding rule in mind. A little smoked cheddar can add wonderful depth to this easy mac and cheese dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with all your holiday classics, from roasted turkey to green bean casserole.

It also makes a fantastic weeknight meal alongside roasted chicken or a simple salad. For other delicious holiday recipes, Read our in-depth guide here.

Make Ahead Instructions

While best served fresh, you can prepare the cheese sauce a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen it. Cook fresh pasta and combine.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thanksgiving mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQ

Can I make this Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese in the oven?

While this recipe is designed for the stovetop for speed and creaminess, you can transfer the combined macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, top with a sprinkle of extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

What if my cheese sauce is too thin or too thick?

If your sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it gently, stirring, to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken slightly as it cools.

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, shell pasta, or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well in its nooks and crannies for the best cheesy experience.