Description
Elevate your holiday spread with this Easy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese, the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Combining a silky, homemade cheese sauce with perfectly al dente pasta, this rich and velvety dish features a smoky twist using crispy smoked chicken strips for a savory crunch. It is the perfect Pinterest-worthy side dish for your holiday menu that is guaranteed to have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup crispy smoked chicken strips, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until nutty.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly; continue whisking for 5-7 minutes until thick and glossy.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
Fold in the cooked pasta and the chopped smoked chicken strips.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For a protein swap, smoked beef or venison ham work wonderfully. Always grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded for the best melting results.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg