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Creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping Made Easy

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A creamy, velvety mac and cheese with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that is perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. This recipe balances rich cheese sauce with a crunchy topping for a comforting crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed (can use dairy-free milk like oat milk for vegan)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour continuously for 2-3 minutes until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups of warmed whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, adding a splash of milk if too thick.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and optional parsley until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered 9×9 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. Whisk continuously when making the roux and cheese sauce for smoothness. Shred your own cheese for better melting. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Pasta should be cooked al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, Thanksgiving, creamy, crispy topping, comfort food, holiday side dish, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-thanksgiving-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-topping-made-easy/