Description
This Christmas Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that turns any holiday meal into something unforgettable. Creamy, cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection with a crispy topping makes this dish a standout among easy dinner ideas and festive food ideas. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal, a crowd-pleasing side, or a rich and satisfying holiday classic, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor, smooth texture, and irresistible appeal every time.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter melted
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Reduce heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, adjusting to taste.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
8. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling, then broil briefly for extra crispiness if desired.
10. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and let rest slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg