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Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Delight

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Delight

The Crispy Chef
This indulgent Thanksgiving mac and cheese is loaded with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a luxurious three-cheese blend. It’s holiday comfort food in every bite — rich, creamy, and packed with cozy fall flavor.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet for bacon
  • Large saucepan for cheese sauce
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cheese grater
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar, grated
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Cook bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble when cool. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat.
  • Caramelize onions in reserved bacon fat over medium-low heat, 8–10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  • Cook pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Make a roux with butter and flour in a saucepan. Cook 1–2 minutes until nutty.
  • Whisk in milk and cream gradually. Add mustard, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until smooth.
  • Mix cooked pasta, onions, and bacon into the cheese sauce. Add turkey, cranberries, or spinach if using.
  • Transfer mac and cheese to baking dish and smooth the top.
  • Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder for topping.
  • Sprinkle topping over mac and cheese. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make it vegetarian by skipping bacon and using roasted mushrooms. For a gluten-free option, use GF pasta and cornstarch instead of flour. Assembles well ahead — just add topping before baking!

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 1.3mg
Keyword bacon mac and cheese, holiday comfort food, macaroni and cheese, Thanksgiving mac and cheese
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