The Best Macaroni & Cheese–Side Dish Idea for the Holidays!

The holidays are just around the corner now and I am SO excited for all the good food and celebrating. I shared my Thanksgiving tablescape a few days ago, and today I wanted to share my go-to recipe for the best macaroni and cheese. This dish is perfect for just about any holiday gathering–especially if you have kiddos around who may not love traditional sides like mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s also a major crowd pleaser with adults too! And best of all, it’s super quick to throw together all in one pot. I used my new pumpkin-shaped dutch oven from Walmart and it worked perfectly for this recipe.

THE BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE

• ½ (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable cooking spray

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

STEP 2 Microwave milk for 1 ½ minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

STEP 3: Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, cayenne pepper until smooth; stir in hot cooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish prepped with cooking spray; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

(see recipe source here)

pumpkin dutch oven // dinnerware set // table runner // centerpiece / canlde

This mac and cheese is so yummy and mouth-watering–definitely worth trying this holiday season. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, white elephant, ugly sweater party, Christmas or whatever celebration you have happening! And all of these ingredients can be bought at Walmart for under $20.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!! I hope you give this recipe a try. Also if you’re interested, you can check out my full Thanksgiving table here.