33 Best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday when most people look forward to planning a menu early. You may start dreaming about favorite dishes over a month in advance—searching for the right dish, finding twists on traditional favorites and craving all the fall flavors. There are important decisions about potatoes, stuffing, turkey and fresh cranberry sauce recipes, choosing between cooking methods like the slowcooker or the stovetop, as well as figuring out which kind of Thanksgiving mac and cheese you will serve.

Related: 20 Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Sides

Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving menus are all about balance and indulgence—a mixture of healthy foods, comfort foods and traditional foods and how many people will be enjoying the delicious creations. A heaping spoonful of vegetables should be offset with a creamy bite of macaroni and cheese. Consider expanding your vision of what that macaroni and cheese could look like. There are so many great takes on this classic recipe and it's worth exploring the versions to prepare for your Thanksgiving spread.

Related: 21 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes

What To Put in Mac and Cheese

There are many ways to enjoy homemade Thanksgiving mac and cheese side dishes with a variety of ingredient combinations. Go all in with Bacon and Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese or add apple and sausage slices to your baked mac and cheese to pay homage to the beautiful fall weather. If you prefer an easy, no-boil method, we have a recipe for you! Take into account some health needs too, and make keto mac and cheese or vegan mac and cheese, tweaking an original while still indulging. Adding extra ingredients to your mac will make the dish more hearty. Ham and turkey are happy to share the spotlight and allow other dishes to shine—especially when it comes to gourmet macaroni and cheese.

Don't let Thanksgiving pass by without sharing a delicious dish that does not come from a box or appear gelatinous in nature. Whether you put your Instant Pot to use, cook on the stovetop or bake your mac and cheese in the oven, there are so many delicious ways to fulfill your craving for this perfect comforting dish. Your guests will be excited to dive in and you will likely not have leftovers to move around the fridge like a jigsaw puzzle.

Best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipes

<p>Coffee And Champagne</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="/1123357/kelli_acciardo/pull-apart-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/" data-ylk="slk:Pull Apart Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pull Apart Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/728999/katieworkman/8-best-mac-and-cheese-recipes-ever/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:8 Best Mac and Cheese Recipes Ever;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">8 Best Mac and Cheese Recipes Ever</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Weinberg</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1298697/alison-ashton/jessica-seinfelds-vegan-mac-n-cheese-will-please-everyone-at-your-dinner-table/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vegan Mac ’n’ Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Vegan Mac ’n’ Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="/1271103/parade/best-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe/" data-ylk="slk:Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe</a></strong></p>

Parade

Get the recipe here: Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

<p>Jocelyn Ruggiero</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="/842128/jocelynruggiero/sweet-salty-mac-n-cheese/" data-ylk="slk:Sweet Salty Mac n Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweet Salty Mac n Cheese</a></strong></p>

Jocelyn Ruggiero

Get the recipe here: Sweet Salty Mac n Cheese

<p>Krista Marshall</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="/1253102/kristamarshall/no-boil-baked-macaroni-and-cheese/" data-ylk="slk:No-Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">No-Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Krista Marshall

Get the recipe here: No-Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese

<p>Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com/2011/07/ultimate-macaroni-and-cheese.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>Pip and Ebby</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/apple-sausage-mac-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Pip and Ebby

Get the recipe here: Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese

<p>Add A Pinch</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://addapinch.com/skillet-mac-cheese-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Skillet Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Skillet Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Add A Pinch

Get the recipe here: Skillet Mac and Cheese

<p>A Beautiful Mess</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://abeautifulmess.com/stuffing-topped-baked-mac-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Stuffing Baked Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Stuffing Baked Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

A Beautiful Mess

Get the recipe here: Stuffing Baked Mac and Cheese

<p>Grilled Cheese Social</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://grilledcheesesocial.com/2017/11/08/pumpkin-mac-n-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Sage Gruyere;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Sage Gruyere</a></strong></p>

Grilled Cheese Social

Get the recipe here: Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Sage Gruyere

<p>My Fearless Kitchen</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.myfearlesskitchen.com/turkey-mac-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Turkey Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Turkey Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

My Fearless Kitchen

Get the recipe here: Turkey Mac and Cheese

<p>Baking Mischief</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://bakingmischief.com/quick-mac-and-cheese-for-one/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Quick Mac and Cheese for One;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Quick Mac and Cheese for One</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/846239/kavitharamaswamy/16-exotic-mac-and-cheese-recipes-from-around-the-world/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mac Me So Happy! 16 Exotic Mac and Cheese Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mac Me So Happy! 16 Exotic Mac and Cheese Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Spicy Southern Kitchen</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/super-creamy-mac-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Super Creamy Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Super Creamy Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Get the recipe here: Super Creamy Mac and Cheese

<p>The Cozy Cook</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://thecozycook.com/panera-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe</a></strong></p>

The Cozy Cook

Get the recipe here: Panera Mac and Cheese Recipe

<p>Deep Fried Honey</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.deepfriedhoney.com/old-school-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ol' School Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ol' School Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Deep Fried Honey

Get the recipe here: Ol' School Mac and Cheese

<p>The Salty Marshmallow</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://thesaltymarshmallow.com/instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Instant Pot Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Instant Pot Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

The Salty Marshmallow

Get the recipe here: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

<p>Diethood</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://diethood.com/keto-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Diethood

Get the recipe here: Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

<p>The Country Cook</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.thecountrycook.net/slow-cooker-macaroni-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>

The Country Cook

Get the recipe here: Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

<p>Cafe Delites</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://cafedelites.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Cafe Delites

Get the recipe here: Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese

<p>Mama Knows Gluten Free</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/gluten-free-southern-baked-macaroni-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>Lauren's Latest</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://laurenslatest.com/camping-mac-n-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Camping Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Camping Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Lauren's Latest

Get the recipe here: Camping Mac and Cheese

<p>Pip and Ebby</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/cauliflower-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cauliflower Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cauliflower Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/cauliflower-mac-and-cheese" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Recipe</a></strong></p>
<p>Dude That Cookz</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://dudethatcookz.com/creamy-chicken-meatball-mac-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chicken Meatball Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chicken Meatball Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Dude That Cookz

Get the recipe here: Chicken Meatball Mac and Cheese

<p>Sweet & Savory Meals</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: </strong><a href="https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/mac-and-cheese-casserole-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Mac and Cheese Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Best Mac and Cheese Casserole</strong></a></p>

Sweet & Savory Meals

Get the recipe here: Best Mac and Cheese Casserole

<p>Sweet Tea & Thyme</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.sweetteaandthyme.com/best-creamy-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best One Pot Stove Top Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best One Pot Stove Top Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Sweet Tea & Thyme

Get the recipe here: Best One Pot Stove Top Mac and Cheese

<p>Butter and Baggage</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.butterandbaggage.com/brisket-with-mac-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brisket with Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brisket with Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Butter and Baggage

Get the recipe here: Brisket with Mac and Cheese

<p>Damn Delicious</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://damndelicious.net/2017/12/28/creamy-broccoli-mac-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Damn Delicious

Get the recipe here: Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

<p>My Forking Life</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.myforkinglife.com/creamy-baked-macaroni-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>

My Forking Life

Get the recipe here: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

<p>Kevin Is Cooking</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://keviniscooking.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-3-cheeses/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Mac and Cheese - 3 Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Mac and Cheese - 3 Cheese</a></strong></p>

Kevin Is Cooking

Get the recipe here: Baked Mac and Cheese - 3 Cheese

<p>Skinny Taste</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="/wp-admin/_wp_link_placeholder" data-ylk="slk:Lighter Baked Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lighter Baked Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Skinny Taste

Get the recipe here: Lighter Baked Macaroni and Cheese

<p>Budget Bytes</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/miracle-mac-n-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Miracle Mac and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Miracle Mac and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Budget Bytes

Get the recipe here: Miracle Mac and Cheese

<p>Veggies Save The Day</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://www.veggiessavetheday.com/mac-and-cheese-garlic-spinach/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic and Spinach;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic and Spinach </a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/52-cheap-recipes-start-box-154751781.html" data-ylk="slk:45 Best Elbow Macaroni Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">45 Best Elbow Macaroni Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Sweet Savant</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://sweetsavant.com/mac-and-cheese-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make Bomb Macaroni and Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How to Make Bomb Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong></p>

Sweet Savant

Get the recipe here: How to Make Bomb Macaroni and Cheese

<p>Tastes Better From Scratch</p><p><strong>Get the recipe here: <a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/gourmet-baked-mac-cheese-bacon/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon</a></strong></p>

Tastes Better From Scratch

Get the recipe here: Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon