Thanksgiving dinner deserves at least one irresistibly creamy, cheesy side dish, and homemade mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you prefer classic baked macaroni and cheese, ultra-creamy stovetop mac and cheese, garlic Parmesan, bacon cheddar, or a festive pumpkin version, these recipes are perfect for the holiday table.
These 25 creamy Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipes include comforting classics, rich baked casseroles, flavorful cheese combinations, and creative fall-inspired variations. Serve them alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and homemade dinner rolls for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
1. Classic Creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
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This classic version has tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce and finished with a golden baked topping.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until just al dente.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream.
- Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and add cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Stir until completely melted.
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked macaroni.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
2. Three-Cheese Creamy Mac and Cheese
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Three cheeses make this Thanksgiving side extra rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyère
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare a butter-flour roux and slowly add milk and cream. Stir in all three cheeses until smooth. Combine with cooked pasta and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
3. Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Make a smooth cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and cheddar. Combine with macaroni and place in a baking dish. Top with panko and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
4. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups Parmesan
- 1 cup mozzarella
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Sauté garlic in butter. Add flour and cook briefly. Whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella. Add pasta and season. Bake for 15–20 minutes and garnish with parsley.
5. Bacon Cheddar Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2½ cups cheddar
- ½ cup Monterey Jack
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook bacon until crisp and crumble it.
Prepare the cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
Fold in macaroni and half of the bacon.
Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining bacon, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
6. Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese
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Cream cheese creates an especially smooth sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2½ cups milk
- 1½ cups cheddar
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Warm butter, cream cheese, and milk together. Stir until smooth. Add cheddar and Parmesan. Mix with cooked macaroni and serve immediately or bake for 15 minutes at 375°F.
7. Gouda Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups Gouda
- 1 cup cheddar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the roux and add milk. Stir until thick. Add Gouda and cheddar. Mix with pasta and bake until bubbling.
8. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
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Smoked Gouda adds a subtle smoky flavor that works beautifully with roasted turkey.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 2 cups smoked Gouda
- 1 cup cheddar
- 3 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the creamy cheese sauce, stir in smoked Gouda and cheddar, then combine with pasta. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
9. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2½ cups white cheddar
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Make a roux with butter and flour. Add milk and cook until thick. Stir in cheeses and nutmeg. Add pasta and bake until lightly golden.
10. Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1½ cups cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- 2 jalapeños
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Prepare the cheese sauce and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Add finely diced jalapeños and cooked pasta.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
11. Truffle Parmesan Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup Parmesan
- 1½ cups Gruyère
- 1–2 teaspoons truffle oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Make a creamy cheese sauce with Parmesan and Gruyère. Combine with pasta.
Stir in truffle oil just before serving.
Tip: Start with a small amount of truffle oil because its flavor is strong.
12. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
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Pumpkin gives this mac and cheese a beautiful autumn flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1½ cups cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyère
- ½ teaspoon sage
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the roux and whisk in milk and pumpkin puree.
Add cheese and seasonings.
Stir in pasta and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
13. Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2½ cups cheddar
- ½ cup Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Steam broccoli until just tender.
Prepare cheese sauce and combine with pasta and broccoli.
Transfer to a casserole dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
14. Lobster Mac and Cheese
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For an extra-special Thanksgiving menu, tender lobster can turn mac and cheese into a luxurious side.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked lobster meat
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups Gruyère
- 1 cup cheddar
- ½ cup Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the creamy cheese sauce.
Fold in lobster meat and cooked pasta.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Top with Parmesan and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
15. Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 large onions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1½ cups Gruyère
- 1 cup cheddar
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Slowly caramelize onions in butter until golden.
Make the cheese sauce separately.
Combine pasta, cheese sauce, and caramelized onions.
Bake for 20–25 minutes at 375°F.
16. Herb and Garlic Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar
- 1 cup Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Sauté garlic in butter.
Whisk in flour and milk.
Add cheeses and herbs.
Stir in cooked pasta.
Bake until golden and bubbling.
17. Southern-Style Baked Mac and Cheese
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This rich baked version uses plenty of cheese and eggs for a hearty holiday casserole.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup regular milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook macaroni until al dente.
Whisk eggs, evaporated milk, and regular milk.
Layer pasta, cheese, and butter in a baking dish.
Pour milk mixture over the top.
Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
18. Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella
- 1 cup Parmesan
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Make a creamy sauce with butter, milk, and cream cheese.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan.
Fold in spinach and artichokes.
Combine with pasta and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
19. Pimento Cheese Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- ½ cup pimentos
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the roux and milk sauce.
Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pimentos.
Stir until smooth.
Combine with macaroni.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
20. Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
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Sweet potato adds natural creaminess and a subtle sweetness that fits perfectly with Thanksgiving flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1½ cups cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyère
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Make a roux with butter and flour.
Whisk in milk and sweet potato.
Add cheese and spices.
Combine with pasta.
Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
21. Gouda Bacon Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 cups Gouda
- 1 cup cheddar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook bacon and crumble.
Prepare the cheese sauce.
Stir Gouda and cheddar into the sauce.
Combine with pasta and half the bacon.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes and top with remaining bacon.
22. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1½ cups roasted butternut squash
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyère
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sage
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Blend roasted squash with warm milk until smooth.
Heat butter in a saucepan.
Add squash mixture and simmer.
Stir in cheeses and seasonings.
Mix with pasta and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.
23. Crispy Panko Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- 1 cup panko
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare creamy cheese sauce.
Combine with macaroni.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
24. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1½ cups cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- 4 oz cream cheese
Instructions
Prepare cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack.
Stir in chicken and buffalo sauce.
Combine with pasta.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
25. Ultimate Four-Cheese Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
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This ultimate holiday version combines four cheeses for an exceptionally creamy and flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar
- 1 cup Gruyère
- 1 cup Monterey Jack
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ cup panko
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until al dente.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk and cream.
- Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat.
- Add cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in macaroni.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with panko.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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🧀 How to Make Extra-Creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
The key to creamy mac and cheese is the cheese sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking ingredients that may affect how smoothly it melts. For the creamiest texture, shred cheese yourself when possible.
Don’t overcook the pasta
Cook it until just al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Keep the heat moderate
Very high heat can cause the cheese sauce to become greasy or grainy.
Don’t skip the butter and flour base
A simple roux helps create a thick, smooth sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
Add cheese gradually
Stir cheese into the warm sauce a little at a time rather than adding everything at once.
🦃 What to Serve With Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with:
- Roast turkey
- Turkey breast
- Honey-glazed ham
- Turkey gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Green bean casserole
- Thanksgiving corn
- Cranberry sauce
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Stuffing
- Homemade dinner rolls
⏰ Can You Make Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Ahead?
Yes! Mac and cheese can be partially prepared before Thanksgiving dinner.
One Day Ahead
Prepare the cheese sauce and pasta, combine them, and transfer everything to a baking dish. Cover and refrigerate.
Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature briefly and add a few tablespoons of milk or cream if the pasta looks dry.
Bake until hot and bubbling.
Tip: For the best texture, don’t overbake make-ahead mac and cheese.
❄️ Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?
Yes, although freshly baked mac and cheese generally has the best creamy texture.
To freeze:
- Cool completely.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Cover tightly.
- Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese is best for Thanksgiving mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Parmesan, and cream cheese are all useful choices. Combining cheeses can create a more complex flavor and smoother texture.
How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
Use enough sauce, avoid overcooking the pasta, and don’t bake it for too long. A splash of warm milk or cream can help loosen the sauce when reheating.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Elbows, shells, cavatappi, rotini, and penne can all work. Shapes with ridges or curves are especially good at holding cheese sauce.
Why did my mac and cheese turn dry?
Too much pasta, insufficient sauce, overbaking, or reheating at very high temperatures can make mac and cheese dry.
Can I make mac and cheese without breadcrumbs?
Yes. Breadcrumbs are optional. You can simply sprinkle extra cheese over the top before baking.
How long should Thanksgiving mac and cheese bake?
Most baked versions need approximately 20–25 minutes at 375°F, although recipes containing more ingredients or starting cold from the refrigerator may need longer.
Final Thoughts
These 25 creamy Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipes give you plenty of options for creating a comforting holiday side dish. From classic cheddar mac and cheese to pumpkin, sweet potato, garlic Parmesan, bacon Gouda, lobster, and four-cheese versions, there’s a recipe for almost every Thanksgiving menu.
For a traditional Thanksgiving spread, a classic baked cheddar mac and cheese is a comforting choice. For fall flavors, try pumpkin, butternut squash, or sweet potato mac and cheese. If you’re looking for something especially rich, four-cheese, Gouda bacon, or lobster mac and cheese can make the holiday table feel extra indulgent.
