Description
Thanksgiving Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, rich cheese with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Topped with a crunchy golden panko crust, this dish promises to be the star of your holiday table. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it brings warmth and nostalgia to any family gathering. Whether as a side or a main, this mac and cheese will delight everyone with its gooey goodness and inviting aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and light golden brown.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps; cook until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg