Description
Indulge in the ultimate creamy comfort food with this Classic Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese. Featuring a velvety blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, this dish is finished with a golden, buttery crust and a savory hint of crispy turkey bacon. It is the perfect stress-free side dish to elevate your holiday table, ensuring a rich and decadent experience that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
4 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups freshly shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crispy turkey bacon, crumbled
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni for 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente; drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in paprika, nutmeg, and 3/4 of the cheese until smooth.
Toss the cooked macaroni and half of the turkey bacon into the sauce.
Transfer mixture to a buttered 9×13 baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese and turkey bacon.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
Notes
Always shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt, as pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg