Baked Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving: Creamy and Make-Ahead

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a bubbling dish of baked macaroni and cheese. It is the side dish kids reach for first and adults go back to for seconds, and because it reheats well, it is one of the easiest dishes to prepare the day before. With Thanksgiving on November 26, now is the time to plan the sides that will free up your oven and your stress on the big day.

This version uses a classic béchamel base rather than processed cheese, so the sauce stays smooth and creamy instead of grainy. A buttery breadcrumb topping adds the crunch everyone loves.

Tips for the creamiest sauce

• Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping, which can make the sauce slightly gritty. A box grater takes two minutes and makes a visible difference.
• Use two cheeses. Sharp cheddar brings flavour, while a melting cheese such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack or mozzarella brings stretch and smoothness.
• Undercook the pasta. Boil it 2 minutes short of the package time. It will keep absorbing sauce in the oven and will not turn mushy.
• Take the sauce off the heat before adding cheese. Very hot sauce can make cheese split and turn oily. Stir it in a handful at a time.
• Season boldly. Pasta and milk are mild. A pinch of mustard powder, nutmeg and paprika sharpens the cheese flavour without making it taste like any of them.

Make-ahead plan

Assemble the dish completely, without the breadcrumb topping, up to two days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving, scatter the buttered crumbs over the top and bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer than the recipe states, since the dish starts cold. If the top browns too fast, loosen a sheet of foil over it.

Variations

• Smoky: replace a quarter of the cheddar with smoked Gouda.
• Spicy: stir in a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Vegetable-friendly: fold in steamed broccoli florets or roasted butternut squash cubes.
• Extra crunchy: use panko mixed with a little grated Parmesan for the topping. Note that traditional Parmesan is not vegetarian.

Serving ideas for a Thanksgiving menu

Mac and cheese is rich, so pair it with something fresh and tart: cranberry sauce, a crisp green salad with apple, or lightly dressed green beans. It sits happily next to roast turkey, glazed carrots and stuffing, and it is a good dish to hand to a guest who offers to bring something.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in a covered container and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of milk, or warm the whole dish covered with foil at 160°C (325°F) until hot in the centre. You can also freeze baked portions for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.