33 Best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving

Megan Porta

Mon, November 25, 2024 at 9:09 PM UTC

4 min read

Thanksgiving menus are all about balance and indulgence, offering a mixture of healthy foods, comfort foods, and traditional dishes to enjoy with loved ones.
There are numerous creative and delicious ways to prepare homemade Thanksgiving mac and cheese, from classic recipes to unique variations like Bacon and Spicy Jalapeno Mac and Cheese or Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese.
Whether cooked in an Instant Pot, on the stovetop, or baked in the oven, mac and cheese is a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences, such as keto mac and cheese or vegan mac and cheese.

Thanksgiving is a holiday when most people look forward to planning a menu early. You may start dreaming about favorite dishes over a month in advance—searching for the right dish, finding twists on traditional favorites and craving all the fall flavors. There are important decisions about potatoes , stuffing , turkey and fresh cranberry sauce recipes, choosing between cooking methods like the slowcooker or the stovetop, as well as figuring out which kind of Thanksgiving mac and cheeseyou will serve.

Related: 20 Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Sides

Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving menus are all about balance and indulgence—a mixture of healthy foods , comfort foods and traditional foods and how many people will be enjoying the delicious creations. A heaping spoonful of vegetables should be offset with a creamy bite of macaroni and cheese. Consider expanding your vision of what that macaroni and cheese could look like. There are so many great takes on this classic recipe and it's worth exploring the versions to prepare for your Thanksgiving spread.

Related: 21 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes

What To Put in Mac and Cheese

There are many ways to enjoy homemade Thanksgiving mac and cheese side dishes with a variety of ingredient combinations. Go all in with Bacon and Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese or add apple and sausage slices to your baked mac and cheese to pay homage to the beautiful fall weather. If you prefer an easy, no-boil method, we have a recipe for you! Take into account some health needs too, and make keto mac and cheese or vegan mac and cheese , tweaking an original while still indulging. Adding extra ingredients to your mac will make the dish more hearty. Ham and turkey are happy to share the spotlight and allow other dishes to shine—especially when it comes to gourmet macaroni and cheese.

Don't let Thanksgiving pass by without sharing a delicious dish that does not come from a box or appear gelatinous in nature. Whether you put your Instant Pot to use, cook on the stovetop or bake your mac and cheese in the oven, there are so many delicious ways to fulfill your craving for this perfect comforting dish. Your guests will be excited to dive in and you will likely not have leftovers to move around the fridge like a jigsaw puzzle.