Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake

Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake

  • Nov 19, 2025
  • By Papaya Express
  • 0 Comment

Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake

Papaya Express

Bring cozy holiday comfort straight to your table with our Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake. This easy, festive recipe turns simple ingredients into a rich, creamy macaroni dish topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a quick side for Thanksgiving dinner or a delicious stand-alone meal.

Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese Bake

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Elbow Macaroni

  • Cheese blend

  • 1 Can Evaporated Milk

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 4 tbsp flour

  • ½ cup cream cheese (optional — makes it extra creamy)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a pot, melt butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.

  3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth and thick

  4. Season with Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder.

  5. Pour sauce over the macaroni and mix.

  6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 min.

  7. Add the whole pre-blended cheese bag. Dump it all in and stir until fully melted and smooth.