20 Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipes Because It's Totally a Thing, and We're Into It
Sorry stuffing, you've been replaced.
Chances are your Thanksgiving feast is missing a side. No, we’re not talking about turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes or green beans (though these are all non-negotiable, in our opinion!). We’re talking gooey, decadent Thanksgiving mac and cheese. This cheesy crowd-favorite has a place among the more traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. You’re probably wondering, do people eat mac and cheese on Thanksgiving? Hear us out: It’s cozy and delicious, goes great with turkey — and works as a vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe for the meat-free at your table. Plus, you don’t have to do anything fancy to those leftovers. Just reheat and eat in your sweatpants (while you online shop ... Black Friday deals anyone?). If you’re not sure how to make mac and cheese, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our perfect mac and cheese recipes. Here’s a quick tip to get you started: Try a mac and cheese roux (typically made with butter, flour, and milk) to make your mac and cheese creamier!
Mac and cheese is easy to customize, so whether it’s old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, or any variation in-between, it can easily fit into your Thanksgiving dinner menu. Of course, our creamy mac and cheese recipes go with any theme, but you can get creative, too. Looking for a southern baked macaroni and cheese? Fold chopped pimiento peppers into the sauce. Craving more of a kick? Check out our recipes that make the most of buffalo hot sauce or spicy green chiles. Looking for a healthier Thanksgiving spread? Opt for our lighter version, made with whole wheat rotini and low-fat cheese. The options are truly endless.
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Kielbasa sausage gives this comforting dinner some heft, while green pepper and Cajun seasoning add color and spice.
Stovetop Mac 'n' Cheese
On Thanksgiving, oven space is an especially hot commodity (because well, the turkey). Don't waste any of that valuable real estate on this creamy, cheesy side.
Shortcut Mac 'n' Cheese with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Potatoes
Incorporate some fall favorites into your macaroni and cheese, and this side will fit in better with the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole on the table.
Get the recipe for Shortcut Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Potatoes »
Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese
Salsa verde and pepper jack cheese give a flavor boost to classic mac and cheese. Shredded rotisserie chicken makes it extra hearty!
Get the recipe for Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese »
RELATED: 24 Best Rotisserie Chicken Recipes That Give a New Life to Leftovers
Reuben Mac and Cheese
Turns out the classic sandwich combo is also great with mac and cheese: Sauerkraut, Dijon mustard and rye bread croutons really make this recipe stand out!
Tomato Soup Mac 'n' Cheese
Bring a double dose of comfort to the table with this take on two cozy classics. Scoop the pasta into individual ramekins, so vegetarian guests can easily grab one to enjoy as a satisfying main.
Get the recipe for Tomato Soup Mac 'n' Cheese »
RELATED: 20 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Make You Forget All About Turkey
Queso Mac and Cheese
For a Southwestern Thanksgiving menu, be sure to feature this take on homemade baked mac and cheese. The slightly spicy green chiles and crunchy corn chip pieces really kick things up a few notches.
Buffalo Mac 'n' Cheese
Here's one for all the football fans out there: We incorporated everyone's fave tailgate flavor (hello, buffalo sauce!) into this dish, in case anyone wants to nosh while the big games are on.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Is there anything you can't add bacon to? Basic mac and cheese gets a major lift from salty, crunchy bacon bits.
Creamy Double-Cheese Sauce With Pasta
Cream cheese replaces the usual flour-milk combo that makes for a velvety-thick cheese sauce, so it's even easier to make this gluten-free. Just fold in chickpea pasta.
Get the recipe for Creamy Double-Cheese Sauce with Pasta »
RELATED: 17 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes to Make This Year
Triple-Cheese Skillet Shells
The secret to this grown-up macaroni and cheese? We caramelize chopped onions to use as the base of this velvety, rich sauce.
Mac 'n' Pimiento Cheese
Take a cue from the Southern staple, and fold sweet pimiento peppers into your cheese sauce. Plus, we snuck in some baby spinach and broccoli because you need every green you can get on Thanksgiving.
Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese
If you're looking for a lighter macaroni and cheese option (because, well, you got plenty of sides already), allow us to introduce you to this low-calorie beaut.
Creamy One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Save yourself an extra pot and heat the milk and cheese in a bowl set over the pasta pot while it cooks. Genius.
Pimiento Mac and Cheese
Bell peppers and cheesy Pepper Jack give this classic dish a southern spin.
Anchor Steam Mac and Cheese
A splash (okay technically, a cup) of Anchor Steam beer adds a hint of rich, malt flavor to creamy mac and cheese.
Macaroni and Gruyère Cheese
Sometimes simple is best, especially on a day like Thanksgiving when you're already going into the supermarket with a shopping list that's a mile long. Enter, this five-ingredient option.
Healthy Makeover: Macaroni and Cheese
Sub in whole wheat rotini for traditional noodles to sneak some extra fiber into the meal. Everyone will thank you later.
Sage Baked Macaroni and Cheese
If you're #teamham at a table full of turkey lovers, get your fix with this prosciutto-packed side.
Ultimate Mac 'n' Cheese
If this is your first time making macaroni and cheese from scratch (welcome!), follow our step-by-step guide that includes the one ingredient you need to take your dish to the next level, Velveeta. (Really).
Get the recipe for Ultimate Mac 'n' Cheese »
RELATED: How to Make Perfectly Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Trish (she/her) is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things food, from cooking trends and delicious recipes to top-tested kitchen products and grocery finds. She has more than a decade of experience writing about food for GH, Women’s Health, Prevention, Redbook, Woman’s Day, The Daily Meal and Food Network. When she’s not at the supermarket or trying out a new recipe, you can find her at the beach, in her backyard or on the couch — typically with a glass of wine in hand.
Samantha (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Delish, where she edits the most-talked-about food news and features on the internet. In her previous role as Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, she taste-tested hundreds of products and recipes (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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