Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dish: Christmas mac and cheese! This creamy, cheesy delight is like a warm hug on a chilly winter evening. The way it bubbles and browns in the oven? Pure magic! I can’t help but get excited when I think about serving it at our family gatherings—it always steals the show! The rich, velvety texture pairs perfectly with festive flavors, making it a comforting staple on our holiday table. As soon as I take that first bite, it’s like all the holiday joy wrapped up in one delicious mouthful. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished tradition for you, too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
How to Prepare Christmas Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because it ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden brown crust on top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
While the oven is warming up, go ahead and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Just boil it in a big pot of salted water until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once it’s perfect, drain the macaroni and give it a little rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside while you whip up that cheesy goodness!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Then, sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it up for a minute until it’s all combined and fragrant. Now, slowly whisk in the milk, and keep stirring until the mixture thickens up—this should take about 5 minutes. Finally, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s all melted and smooth. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! In a large bowl, mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni until everything is well coated. Then, transfer that glorious mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. For that extra crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have this delicious dish ready to go in no time!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of melted cheese and creamy sauce creates a comforting, velvety mouthfeel that’s irresistible.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This Christmas mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for holiday parties and family dinners.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like bacon, ham, or even veggies for a personal twist!
- Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy those cozy flavors long after the holidays are over.
- Festive Comfort Food: This dish wraps you in warmth and joy, making every bite a celebration of the season!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas mac and cheese truly unforgettable, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to mix up the cheeses! A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella can take it to the next level. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of smoked gouda for a delightful twist.
When it comes to the breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of parmesan mixed in can add an extra crunch and flavor boost. And if you want to elevate those cozy vibes, toss in some cooked bacon or sautéed spinach for added richness and color.
Lastly, don’t forget to let it sit for a few minutes after baking. This will help it set up nicely and make serving a breeze. Your friends and family will be raving about it for years to come!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for my scrumptious Christmas mac and cheese. Each serving (about 1 cup) packs a delightful punch with approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. So, if you decide to swap out some cheese or add in those delightful extras, the nutritional content might change a bit. But hey, it’s all about enjoying the flavors and making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious Christmas mac and cheese (which is totally possible, because it’s that good!), don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! First, let the dish cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This will help prevent condensation from making it soggy.
Transfer any leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure to label it if you have a busy fridge—trust me, it can get chaotic in there!
When you’re ready to enjoy those cheesy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish if it’s not already in one, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and all gooey again. If you want to give it that freshly baked vibe, remove the foil for the last few minutes so the top can get nice and crispy.
Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While I love using sharp cheddar for that classic flavor, you can mix it up with mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a fun kick. Experiment with your favorites!
What can I add to make it even more festive?
Oh, I love this question! You can add cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory touch. For a veggie option, try mixing in some sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli. It’ll add color and flavor—perfect for the holidays!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up to the baking point, cover it well, and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no one will know it was prepped in advance!
What should I serve with my Christmas mac and cheese?
This creamy delight pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it alongside your favorite holiday main dish—think turkey or glazed ham! It’s a versatile side that complements many flavors.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier!
Final Thoughts
Alright, my friend, now it’s your turn to dive into this delicious Christmas mac and cheese adventure! I can’t wait for you to experience the creamy goodness and the joy it brings to your holiday table. Trust me, once you serve this dish, your family and friends will be begging for seconds—and maybe even the recipe!
After you make it, please come back and let me know how it turned out for you! I’d love to hear your thoughts, any fun variations you tried, or just how much everyone enjoyed it. And if you’re feeling generous, a rating would mean the world to me! Your feedback helps spread the love for this comforting dish.
Happy cooking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of cheesy goodness!
Print
Christmas Mac and Cheese: 7 Joyful Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy dish perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Add cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra richness.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas mac and cheese, holiday recipes, baked macaroni and cheese