Introduction
Embrace the joy of holiday culinary traditions with a dish everyone adores. This ultimate Christmas mac and cheese recipe takes a classic comfort food and infuses it with festive cheer. It is the perfect creamy, cheesy, and satisfying side dish for any holiday gathering. Prepare to delight your family and friends with this irresistible baked pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Mac and Cheese
You will adore this comforting Christmas Mac and Cheese for many wonderful reasons.
- Ultimate Holiday Comfort Food: It offers a warm, nostalgic embrace, perfect for festive feasts.
- Rich, Velvety Cheese Sauce: Every bite bursts with a smooth, luxurious cheese flavor.
- Irresistibly Golden, Crunchy Topping: A crisp panko crust adds a fantastic textural contrast.
- Effortless Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time to reduce holiday stress.
- Customizable to Festive Tastes: Easily adapt it with your favorite seasonal additions.
- Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Christmas Mac and Cheese
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Christmas mac and cheese recipe. You will need 16 ounces of elbow macaroni, or another tubular pasta you prefer. For the rich sauce, prepare 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 3 cups of whole milk, and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. The star of the show is the cheese: 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 2 cups of shredded Gruyere. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For the irresistible topping, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of panko crumbs, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is for tossing the pasta.
Notes & Substitutions
Always shred your cheese from a block for the best flavor and melt. Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like cavatappi or medium shells. Adjust the milk and cream ratio to achieve your desired richness in the sauce. If Gruyere is unavailable, Monterey Jack or even a sharp white cheddar can work well. A tiny pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of dry mustard can also elevate the cheese sauce’s depth.
Essential Equipment
Making this festive pasta dish is simple with the right tools. You will need a large pot for cooking your pasta. A deep saucepan or a Dutch oven is essential for creating the luxurious cheese sauce. A sturdy whisk will help you achieve a smooth, lump-free roux. Finally, a 3-4 quart baking dish is needed to bake your creamy creation. Don’t forget basic measuring cups and spoons, and a box grater for fresh cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to create a truly irresistible Christmas mac and cheese recipe! Follow these easy steps for a perfect holiday side.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large 3 or 4-quart baking dish and set it aside. In a separate large bowl, combine your shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses and set that aside too.
Next, cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for one minute less than the package instructions for al dente. This ensures your pasta won’t get mushy during baking. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir gently to coat. This prevents the pasta from sticking together as it cools.
Now, let’s make the incredible cheese sauce. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or stockpot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for about one minute until the mixture is bubbly and turns a light golden color. This is your roux, the base for a thick, smooth sauce.
Gradually pour in the 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Keep whisking as the sauce heats. You will see bubbles form on the surface; continue cooking and whisking for another two minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add two cups of your reserved shredded cheese mixture (cheddar and Gruyere) to the warm sauce. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Then, add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is wonderfully creamy and thick.
Stir the slightly cooled pasta into the rich cheese sauce until every piece is fully coated. This is your delicious Christmas mac and cheese mixture. Pour half of the mac and cheese into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top this layer with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese. Then, add the rest of the mac and cheese mixture over the cheese layer.
For the crispy topping, combine 1 1/2 cups of panko crumbs, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. Sprinkle this panko mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
Bake your Christmas mac and cheese in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting holiday favorite immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Mac and Cheese
Achieve restaurant-quality results with these helpful tips for your festive mac and cheese.
- Always Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly and tastes better.
- Slightly Undercook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, undercooking it by a minute ensures it remains al dente and not mushy.
- Achieve a Smooth, Lump-Free Roux: Whisk the butter and flour constantly when making the roux. Gradually add warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Warm Dairy for Smoother Sauce: Gently warm the milk and cream before adding it to the roux. This helps prevent the sauce from seizing and creates a silkier texture.
- Season the Sauce Generously: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the sauce-making process. Proper seasoning enhances all the rich cheese flavors.
- Prevent a Grainy Cheese Sauce: Ensure your sauce is warm but not boiling when you add the cheese. Add cheese in batches, whisking until smooth before adding more.
- Ensure a Perfectly Crispy Topping: Don’t skip the panko and butter topping. It provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Make Ahead for Holiday Ease: Assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
According to culinary experts, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting quality and the smoothness of your sauce.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This festive side dish is incredibly versatile, perfect for any holiday feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Christmas mac and cheese hot, straight from the oven, as a fantastic festive side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a succulent prime rib. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy it alongside other beloved holiday dishes like green bean casserole or mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Promptly refrigerate any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate and restore creaminess. You can also microwave individual servings. For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Festive Variations
Elevate your holiday mac and cheese with creative additions.
- Add crispy crumbled bacon or diced, cooked ham for a smoky, savory touch.
- Mix in roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes for a hint of sweetness and beautiful color.
- Stir in sautéed spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens.
- Include dried cranberries and toasted pecans in the topping for a sweet and nutty crunch.
- Try a different festive cheese blend, like smoked gouda with white cheddar, for another delicious Christmas mac and cheese variation.
Christmas Mac and Cheese Nutrition
This nutrition information is per serving, based on 12 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 642 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Saturated Fat | 24 g |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 1325 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about this Christmas mac and cheese recipe often arise.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish (without the panko topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the topping and bake as directed.
What cheeses are best for holiday mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar and Gruyere offer a perfect balance of tang and nuttiness. Other great options include Monterey Jack, Fontina, or smoked Gouda for a richer flavor.
How do I keep it creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating. Stir gently to incorporate and restore the creamy texture.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even shredded turkey are delicious additions. Stir them into the cheese and pasta mixture before baking.
Is it suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This creamy baked Christmas mac and cheese recipe is truly a magical addition to any holiday table. Its comforting, cheesy goodness, combined with a delightful crunchy topping, makes it an unforgettable dish. Simple to prepare and guaranteed to please, it embodies the spirit of festive feasting. Don’t hesitate to make this easy, delicious, and memorable recipe part of your family’s holiday traditions this year.
