Thanksgiving mac & cheese
4 cups dried macaroni
1 egg
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
16 oz land o lakes Gouda and Harvard cheese cubes
Liquid smoke to taste
Cook the macaroni in water with better than bullion paste chicken flavored.
Drain.
Beat the egg in a small bowl.
Melt the butter in a large pot and prinkle in the flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat.
Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Don't let it burn. Pour in the milk, add seasoning and liquid smoke, and whisk until smooth.
Cook for 5 minutes until very thick. Reduce the heat to low.
Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the egg. Whisk together till smooth.
Pour the egg mixture into the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth. Add in the cheese and stir to melt. Taste the sauce, adding more salt and seasoned salt as needed. Pour in the drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, then serve.
This made 1.5 8oz baking tins worth
Thanksgiving mac & cheese is a cherished comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any holiday table. This recipe combines dried macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of Gouda cheese cubes and Harvard cheese, giving it a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly smoky flavor. The addition of liquid smoke adds a subtle depth that elevates the dish beyond traditional mac & cheese. To achieve the perfect sauce, a roux is prepared by melting salted butter and whisking in all-purpose flour over medium-low heat, cooking it for several minutes to remove any raw flour taste without burning. Whole milk is slowly added to form a thick and creamy base, seasoned with kosher salt and enhanced with Better Than Bouillon paste chicken-flavored for added umami complexity. Incorporating an egg into the sauce mixture enriches the texture, making the final baked mac & cheese extra luscious and binding the ingredients together beautifully. This baked macaroni and cheese is assembled by mixing the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, transferring it to a buttered baking dish, and topping it with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly crust after baking at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes. The recipe yields about 1.5 standard 8-ounce baking tins, making it perfect for sharing at a Thanksgiving feast or any family dinner. For a personalized twist, consider experimenting with different smoked cheeses or seasoning blends to adjust the flavor profile to your liking. Adding crispy breadcrumbs on top before baking can introduce a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy interior. Pair this rich side dish with roasted turkey, fresh green beans, or a vibrant cranberry sauce to complete your holiday meal. If you want to ensure the best results, use quality cheeses like Land O Lakes for that authentic creamy melt and opt for fresh macaroni cooked just until al dente to avoid mushiness. This recipe's user-friendly technique and comforting flavors make it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their Thanksgiving spread or enjoy an indulgent, cheesy dinner any time of the year.