Mac and Cheese for Christmas

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Last Updated on November 23, 2024 by Toya

Looking for a simple, yet delicious mac and cheese recipe for Christmas?

If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. My easy, creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe is exactly what you need to wow everyone this Christmas!

When it comes to Christmas dinner, you were most likely thinking of serving traditional dishes like roasted turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. However, if you want to also serve something extra indulgent and comforting, this Christmas mac and cheese recipe serves as the perfect side dish to make your holiday spread more interesting.

The best part? My creamy mac and cheese dish is rich and warm and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike!

Why Mac and Cheese for Christmas?

While mac and cheese is often thought of as a casual dish, it’s versatile enough to fit in with the festive atmosphere of Christmas. Even if you’re hosting a big family gathering or preparing a more intimate dinner, this mac and cheese dish can be easily dressed up with a few special ingredients to make it holiday-worthy. Think sharp cheeses, creamy sauces, some truffle oil, and a crispy topping that adds texture and flavor to every bite.

Let’s see how to make this easy recipe.

Ingredients

Macaroni:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite tubular pasta shape)

Cheese Sauce:

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk (or 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups whole milk)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth, depth, and a subtle aromatic note)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)

How to make Mac & Cheese for Christmas:

1. Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Next, grab a large saucepan and melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly. Note, since this roux is for mac and cheese, make sure the roux stays light in color (pale yellow or slightly golden.
3. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk. Make sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and begin adding the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, a little at a time. Stir until each addition is fully melted and incorporated. Once all the cheese is melted, season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using) and salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
5. In a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and stir well until all the pasta is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then, transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Once done, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
7. Then bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy Christmas mac and cheese with your holiday meal.

Tips for Making This Mac and Cheese Even More Festive:

• Add some Truffle Oil: Instead of a cheese topping, use 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of Truffle oil to make an awesome mac and cheese topping that is fit for Christmastime! The truffle oil will make the mac and cheese feel extra luxurious and special for the holidays. Just mix these three ingredients together and sprinkle evenly on top of your mac and cheese before baking!
• Use a Variety of Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your tastes. Adding a bit of fontina, mozzarella, or even smoked Gouda can give your dish a unique taste.
• Serve as a Main or Side: This mac and cheese can easily be the star of your Christmas dinner or serve as a comforting side to complement your other holiday favorites.

My creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a great way to add a little extra indulgence to your Christmas spread. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and comforting, yet can be made special with a few simple touches.

So, whether you’re preparing it for a big family gathering or a cozy dinner with loved ones, this Christmas mac and cheese is the way to go!