When it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone usually knows who's making what. Grandma handles her famous desserts. Your aunt always comes in clutch with the green bean casserole. And your cousin can sometimes be relied upon to bring the plates everyone likes–you know, the big platters with the separated sections so the food doesn't touch. But what happens when the Mac and Cheese person is at their in-laws for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas? You take a few deep breaths, open up Safari, and start googling for the best Mac and Cheese recipe that you can find.
So, now you're here.
Sure, it would be a lot easier to call that person up for the recipe, but it's your time now. And since you're our holiday underdog this year, we've supplied a few recipes that are sure to get you a permanent "Mac and Cheese person" position.
Let's get into the cheesy stuff.
Basil Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Have a significant other, friend, or child who refuses to eat Brussels sprouts? This is an easy way to sneak it into a meal. (via Brit + Co.)
Mac and Cheese Muffins
This is the all-time best way to serve mac and cheese to a crowd. No messy baking dish, just individual portions that guests can serve themselves. (via Brit + Co.)
Microwave Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Short on time? Whip up this easy, delicious recipe in your microwave. We’d even serve it for a dinner party. Your guests will have no idea the oven stayed off. (via Brit + Co.)
Big-Hearted Macaroni & Cheese with Artichokes
Artichoke hearts give the perfect salty, briny tang to a mac and cheese recipe. What can we say? We heart it. (via TheKitchn)
Easiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese
We love recipes with surprising ingredients, and this mac and cheese does not disappoint. The key to it’s creamy goodness? Cottage cheese! Who knew? (via Smitten Kitchen)
Baked Macaroni
We’d make this mac and cheese solely on the basis that it’s baked in a cast iron skillet. Comfort food to the max! (via A Beautiful Mess)
Sweet Peas and Shells Alfredo
Let’s be honest, alfredo is just another name for mac and cheese. It might be a bit classier, but it’s basically the same thing. (via Shutterbean)
Vegan Mac and Cheese
If you’re sensitive to dairy, but can’t give up on this dish, try this version. We promise you won’t miss the milk! (via Love & Lemons)
Vegetarian Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
We can’t wait to try this extreme twist on classic mac and cheese. We’re betting the pumpkin will pair perfectly with the traditional ingredients. (via Naturally Ella)
Brie And Bacon Macaroni And Cheese
Classy meets comfort in this recipe that pairs the sophistication of brie with the irresistible crunch of bacon. It's a match made in mac and cheese heaven.(via Vikalinka)
Easy Beer Mac and Cheese
Yes, you read that right — beer in mac and cheese. We're guessing this is going to be a game day favorite all through football season. (via How Sweet It Is)
Roasted Summer Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Channel summer with this deliciously crispy mac and cheese recipe. All those veggies make it health food in our book. (via How Sweet It Is)
Lightly Cheddared Spinach Ricotta Mac and Cheese
If you don’t like heavy mac and cheese try this version made mostly with ricotta, and just a sprinkling of cheddar on top. (via Food 52)
Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese
The buttery lobster and shrimp make this version incredibly decadent. (via Table for Two Blog)
Truffled Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
Something about adding truffle oil makes a basic mac and cheese recipe seem more grown up. Making it with whole wheat pasta, doesn’t hurt either. (via Turntable Kitchen)
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Because sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. This baked mac and cheese recipe brings you the timeless flavors you know and love, baked to perfection.(Via Completely Delicious)
Roasted Red Pepper Harissa Mac And Cheese
Spice up your mac game with the bold flavors of roasted red pepper and harissa. It's a fiery twist that'll have your taste buds dancing in delight. (Via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Bacon & Pea Mac and Cheese
Adding bacon and peas to your favorite mac and cheese recipe makes it a full meal instantly. Well, maybe you need a side salad, too. (via The Kitchy Kitchen)
The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe (Southwest Inspired)
Even the most cheese-loving person will be reaching for seconds with this Southwest-inspired vegan masterpiece. It's so good; you won't believe it's dairy-free!(via The Edgy Veg)
Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
If you want a fall flavor, but pumpkin isn’t your thing, try this butternut squash version. It’s just as tasty and just as…orange. (via Always Order Dessert)
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Balls
A bit more labor intensive than the macaroni muffins, these mac and cheese balls are worth it for the crispy fried exterior. Oh, right, and they have bacon. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese
This recipe has that distinct funky tang that could only come from blue cheese. It might not be for everyone, but we love it.(via How Sweet It Is)
One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese
If you still believe the box is best, but want to give up all the processed ingredients, make this microwave recipe. It’s healthier so you don’t have to feel bad eating it. (via TheKitchn)
Creamiest Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Set it, forget it, and come home to a pot full of pure comfort. This slow-cooked sensation is the epitome of creamy dreams, making it the perfect fix for your laziest (and cheesiest) days.(via The Girl On Bloor)
White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese
Elevate your mac game with the decadent duo of white cheddar and truffle. This dish is so posh, it might just outshine your favorite little black dress at the next dinner party.(via The Girl On Bloor)
Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Macaroni And Cheese
Short on time but craving a bowl of cheesy goodness? Look no further! This lightning-fast stovetop version guarantees a speedy fix without sacrificing flavor.(via Averie Cooks)
Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese
Take your taste buds on a journey to Vermont with this creamy concoction. Loaded with the finest cheeses, it's a trip to dairy heaven without leaving your kitchen.( via Averie Cooks)
Layered Italian Baked Mac And Cheese
Say "Ciao" to ordinary mac and cheese! Our Italian-inspired layers bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, making it a cheesy masterpiece worth savoring.(via Vikalinka)
Cheddar And Gruyere Mac And Cheese With Polish Kielbasa
Add a kick to your mac with this savory twist. The combo of cheddar, gruyere, and Polish kielbasa creates a flavor explosion. (via Vikalinka)
Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Breadcrumb Topping
Crunchy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. This baked mac and cheese takes the classic to new heights with a golden breadcrumb topping that'll have you fighting for the last spoonful.(via Vikalinka)
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Sometimes, simple is best. Our classic homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing you back to the basics with every creamy bite.(via Clean Cuisine)
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut Squash takes center stage in this vegan twist on the classic. Creamy, dreamy, and entirely plant-based, it's comfort food without the guilt. (Via The Edgy Veg)
Vegan Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
Up your veggie intake with cauliflower-packed mac and cheese recipe. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Spicy Macaroni and Cheese
Along with a host of veggies, chili powder gives this cheesy recipe an extra kick. (via Kurry Leaves)
Dairy-Free Mac And Cheese
For our lactose-intolerant friends, fear not! This dairy-free delight proves that you don't need milk to create a bowl of cheesy perfection.(Via The Real Food Dietitians)
Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower
Another veggie that’s easy to disguise in mac and cheese? Cauliflower! When it’s baked it has almost the same consistency as the noodles. (via Shutterbean)
Mediterranean Mac and Cheese
Adding in chickpeas and onions gives this recipe a Mediterranean flair. You can also use Israeli or pearl couscous instead of elbow macaroni. (via Food 52)
Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
It wouldn’t be fall without the addition of pumpkin to every single recipe, ever. Luckily, this pumpkin mac and cheese is good enough to enjoy year round. (via Lauren’s Latest)
Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Get your protein fix with this hearty variation. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy goodness make for a mac and cheese meal that's both comforting and substantial.(Via Completely Delicious)
20-Minute Stovetop White Cheddar Mac And Cheese
This speedy stovetop recipe proves that luxury can be served in under 20 minutes — because there's no time to wait when mac and cheese is on the menu.(via Averie Cooks)
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This article has been updated and was originally published in September 2013.
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Kristin Appenbrink
Kristin combines her love of words, a passion for creating, and a drive to learn new skills. Plus, as an obsessive ice cream maker and storyteller she always has a scoop to share.
