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Baked Mac and Cheese

November 22, 2020 By Patricia 30 Comments

Baked Mac and Cheese might be the star of the show this Thanksgiving if your family goes that route with side dishes. It’s one of the tastiest I’ve had in a while, and it’s perfect any night of the week.

 

My Baked Mac and Cheese floored me a little bit! It’s turned out to be super-creamy and super-delicious – what could be better? I’m a cheese lover so I might be biased, but seriously, you need to make this. It’s definitely good comfort food!

This recipe is here because one of my coworkers asked me for a mac and cheese recipe. I had to stop and think for a minute. I can’t believe I didn’t have one on the site. So you have Gaby for getting me on the ball and making this! 

The cheesiness! The crunchy breadcrumbs! The flavor is amazing, but take note: I used high-quality cheese for this recipe. And I shredded the cheese myself. Why not buy a bag of shredded cheese, you ask? Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt well because it includes “something” in the ingredients to keep it from clumping in the bag.

I know a lot of people include mac and cheese as a side dish at Thanksgiving. We never did growing up, and neither did my husband’s family, but my Italian family does include lasagna each year! Each family has their own traditions, right?

Are you planning a smaller Thanksgiving gathering this year? Many of us are, for good reason, and this recipe is perfect for smaller crowds. It serves 4-6 people, so you may (or may not) have leftovers.

Try one of these recipes as a Thanksgiving side dish:

Curry-Roasted Delicata Squash
Easy, Creamy Butternut Squash Soup 
Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts 

This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe might be the start of a new tradition for you and yours for the holidays, but why put this dish in a box? Enjoy it for lunch or dinner any night of the week. It’s so comforting and filling. It’s indulgent, for sure. Maybe serve it with a salad or another veggie if you’re interested in a smaller portion.

How to Prep Baked Mac and Cheese

  1. Prep a 1-1/2-quart baking dish by lightly coating it in cooking spray.
  2. Use a food processor with a shredder attachment to easily shred the cheese.
  3. Prep the panko breadcrumbs. Add them to a small bowl and include the seasoning and melted butter, mixed to combine.
  4. Get the pasta cooking.
  5. Have your butter, flour, heavy whipping cream, cheeses, and seasonings near your stovetop.
  6. Drain your pasta and have it near the stovetop.
  7. Get ready to add the pasta to your cheese mixture and make sure all the pasta is well coated.
  8. Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top, and bake.

Where do you stand with serving Baked Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving? Whether or not you decide to serve it as part of your holiday meal, you should make this dish to enjoy on another day. It’s got amazing flavor and all sorts of cheesiness with a lovely little crunch.

Nutrition

Calories

3170 cal

Fat

188 g

Carbs

256 g

Protein

109 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Yields Serves 4-6

Baked Mac and Cheese
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5 based on 10 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces medium-sized pasta (I used corkscrew pasta)
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 7 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 1.5-quart baking dish with the cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Boil the pasta until almost done. Drain and set aside.
  3. As the pasta cooks, add 2 tablespoons butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to incorporate. Continue to stir for a few minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden.
  4. Whisk in the heavy cream. A little at a time, add each type of cheese until everything is melted and smooth.
  5. Add the mustard, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese mixture and stir to combine so all the pasta is well coated.
  7. Transfer the pasta to the baking dish.
  8. Add the panko breadcrumbs to a small bowl. Add the remaining salt and pepper and mix to combine. Add the remaining melted butter and stir.
  9. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta.
  10. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  11. Serve warm.
7.8.1.2
421
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/

Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: baked mac and cheese recipes, comfort food, comforting dishes, mac and cheese recipes, side dish recipes, Thanksgiving side dish recipes, Thanksgiving side dishes

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Comments

  1. Beth says

    November 23, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Yummy! This looks so delicious and tasty! I can't wait to give this a try! My family is going to love this!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:49 am

      Thank you, Beth! It's a really great dish the whole family can enjoy!
      Reply
  2. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    November 23, 2020 at 7:45 am

    I love the variations you can do on mac and cheese - swiss sounds like a good addition, as does panko! We don't do mac and cheese or any pasta at thanksgiving, but Im down other times of the year w mac and cheese!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:48 am

      Thanks, Harmony! I know lots of families have their own special recipe, and this is definitely mine! Hope you enjoy it!
      Reply
  3. Kathryn Donangelo says

    November 23, 2020 at 8:53 am

    This Mac and cheese is simply amazing! I make this as a side dish, not just for the holidays because it's that good!! It's incredibly creamy, cheesy and packed with classic Mac and cheese flavors. Thank you for this delicious recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:47 am

      Thanks so much, Kathryn! It definitely has a little bit of everything included!
      Reply
  4. Mirlene says

    November 23, 2020 at 8:57 am

    Love this recipe and the crust on top is everything. I am adding this to my rotation for the holiday.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:47 am

      Thanks so much, Mirlene! I'm glad you enjoyed this!
      Reply
  5. Angela says

    November 23, 2020 at 9:13 am

    Great comfort food. It came out creamy with a nice crunch on top.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Thank you, Angela! Glad this was one you enjoyed!
      Reply
  6. Michelle says

    November 23, 2020 at 9:54 am

    Yum. So cheesy and I love the crunchy topping
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Thanks so much, Michelle! It turned out perfect!
      Reply
  7. Mimi says

    November 23, 2020 at 9:59 am

    Such a yummy treat, I love how crunchy it looks
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Thank you, Mimi! It's a really great dish!
      Reply
  8. Katherine Fox says

    November 23, 2020 at 10:20 am

    Oh my gosh the breadcrumbs with all of that cheese is literally making my mouth water. Definitely using this recipe during the holidays!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Thank you, Katherine! It's really something special!
      Reply
  9. Bella says

    November 23, 2020 at 9:10 pm

    I legit made mac and cheese for lunch today but vegan and gluten free! ill have to send this recipe to my mom she would LOVE it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:45 am

      Thanks, Bella! Yeah, a good mac and cheese can be so comforting!
      Reply
  10. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

    November 24, 2020 at 12:38 am

    These Baked Mac and Cheese sound delicious! Dangerously good...
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:44 am

      Thank you! Yes, that's a great way to describe this dish :)
      Reply
  11. Shayla Marie says

    November 24, 2020 at 7:31 am

    Love baked mac and cheese. I've not been able to find a good recipe that is gluten free so I really miss it. This one looks fabulous.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      Thanks, Shayla! Try it w/ gluten-free pasta? I hope you can make this work for you!
      Reply
  12. Jacque Hastert says

    November 24, 2020 at 7:36 am

    Can't beat a delicious mac and cheese recipe like this one! I can't wait to give this a whirl soon. I know my kiddos will devour it and I will be a hero.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      Thank you, Jacque! Oh, I'm sure the kids will love it (and you, too)!
      Reply
  13. Kevin says

    November 24, 2020 at 10:21 am

    I love trying new mac and cheese recipes to try! This looks so good!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      Thanks, Kevin! A classic!
      Reply
  14. Allyson says

    November 24, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    I love mac and cheese. Definitely will have to try it this week for Thanksgiving!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      Thanks, Allyson! I hope you enjoy it!
      Reply
  15. Sara Welch says

    November 24, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    Served this for Friendsgiving last night and it was a hit all around the table; adults and kids alike! Easily, a new favorite dish!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      That's awesome, Sara! Thanks for letting me know!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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