When it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone usually knows who's making what. Grandma handles her famous desserts. Your aunt always comes in clutch with the green bean casserole. And your cousin can (sometimes) be relied upon to bring the plates everyone likes – you know, the big platters with the separated sections, so the food doesn't touch. But what happens when the mac and cheese person is at their in-laws for Thanksgiving? You take a few deep breaths, open up Safari, and start googling for the best mac and cheese recipe that you can find.
So, now you're here.
Sure, it would be a lot easier to call that person up for the recipe, but it's your time now. And since you're the holiday underdog this year, we've supplied a few recipes that are sure to earn you that permanent "mac and cheese person" position.
Let's get into the cheesy stuff.
Brit + Co
Have a significant other, friend, or child who refuses to eat Brussels sprouts? This is an easy way to sneak it into a meal. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
This is the all-time best way to serve mac and cheese to a crowd. No messy baking dish, just individual portions that guests can serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Short on time? Whip up this easy, delicious mac and cheese recipe in your microwave. We’d even serve it for a dinner party. Your guests will have no idea the oven stayed off. (via Brit + Co)
The Kitchn
Artichoke hearts give the perfect salty, briny tang to a mac and cheese recipe. What can we say? We heart it. (via The Kitchn)
Smitten Kitchen
We love recipes with surprising ingredients, and this mac and cheese does not disappoint. The key to its creamy goodness? Cottage cheese! Who knew? (via Smitten Kitchen)
A Beautiful Mess
We’d make this mac and cheese solely on the basis that it’s baked in a cast iron skillet. Comfort food to the max! (via A Beautiful Mess)
Shutterbean
Let’s be honest, Alfredo is just another name for mac and cheese. It might be a bit classier, but it’s basically the same thing. (via Shutterbean)
Love & Lemons
If you’re sensitive to dairy, but can’t give up on this dish, try this version. We promise you won’t miss the milk! (via Love & Lemons)
Vikalinka
Say "ciao" to ordinary mac and cheese! These Italian-inspired layers bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, making it a cheesy masterpiece worth savoring. (via Vikalinka)
Naturally Ella
We can’t wait to try this extreme twist on classic mac and cheese. We’re betting the
pumpkin will pair perfectly with the traditional ingredients. (via Naturally Ella)
Vikalinka
Classy meets comfort in this recipe that pairs the sophistication of brie with the irresistible crunch of bacon. It's a match made in mac and cheese heaven. (via Vikalinka)
How Sweet Eats
Yes, you read that right — beer in mac and cheese. We're guessing this is going to be a game day favorite all through football season. (via How Sweet Eats)
How Sweet Eats
Channel summer with this deliciously crispy mac and cheese recipe. All those veggies make it health food in our book. (via How Sweet Eats)
Food52
If you don’t like heavy mac and cheeses, try this version made mostly with ricotta, and just a sprinkling of cheddar on top. (via Food52)
Table for Two
The buttery lobster and shrimp make this version of mac and cheese incredibly decadent. (via Table for Two)
Turntable Kitchen
Something about adding truffle oil makes a basic mac and cheese recipe seem more grown-up. Making it with whole wheat pasta doesn’t hurt either. (via Turntable Kitchen)
Completely Delicious
Because sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. This baked mac and cheese recipe brings you the timeless flavors you know and love, baked to perfection. (via Completely Delicious)
Whole and Heavenly Oven
Spice up your mac game with the bold flavors of roasted red pepper and harissa. It's a fiery twist that'll have your taste buds dancing in delight. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
The Girl On Bloor
Set it, forget it, and come home to a pot full of pure comfort. This slow-cooked sensation is the epitome of creamy dreams, making it the perfect fix for your laziest (and cheesiest) days. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Vikalinka
Add a kick to your mac with this savory twist. The combo of cheddar, gruyere, and Polish kielbasa creates a total flavor explosion. (via Vikalinka)
The Kitchy Kitchen
Adding bacon and peas to your favorite mac and cheese recipe makes it a full meal instantly. Well, maybe you need a side salad, too. (via The Kitchy Kitchen)
Averie Cooks
Short on time, but craving a bowl of cheesy goodness? Look no further! This lightning-fast stovetop version guarantees a speedy fix without sacrificing flavor. (via Averie Cooks)
The Edgy Veg
Even the most cheese-loving person will be reaching for seconds with this Southwest-inspired vegan masterpiece. It's so good, you won't believe it's dairy-free! (via The Edgy Veg)
Food52
Clearly we can’t get enough bacon. Can you blame us? (via Food52)
Always Order Dessert
If you want a fall flavor, but pumpkin isn’t your thing, try this butternut squash version. It’s just as tasty! (via Always Order Dessert)
Kirbie’s Cravings
A bit more labor intensive than the macaroni muffins, these mac and cheese balls are worth it for the crispy fried exterior. Oh, right, and they have bacon. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
How Sweet Eats
This recipe has that distinct funky tang that could only come from blue cheese. It might not be for everyone, but we love it.(via How Sweet Eats)
The Kitchn
If you still believe the boxed mac is best, but want to give up all the processed ingredients, make this microwave recipe. It’s healthier, so you don’t have to feel bad eating it. (via The Kitchn)
The Girl On Bloor
Elevate your mac game with the decadent duo of white cheddar and truffles. This dish is so posh, it might just outshine your favorite little black dress at the next dinner party. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Averie Cooks
Take your taste buds on a journey to Vermont with this creamy concoction. Loaded with the finest cheeses, it's a trip to dairy heaven without ever leaving your kitchen. (via Averie Cooks)
Vikalinka
Crunchy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. This baked mac and cheese takes the classic to new heights with a golden breadcrumb topping that'll have your guests fighting for the last spoonful. (via Vikalinka)
Clean Cuisine
Sometimes simple is best. This classic homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing you back to the basics with every creamy bite. (via Clean Cuisine)
The Edgy Veg
Butternut squash takes center stage in this vegan twist on the classic mac. Creamy, dreamy, and entirely plant-based, it's comfort food without the guilt! (via The Edgy Veg)
The Real Food Dietitians
Up your veggie intake with this cauliflower-packed mac and cheese recipe. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Kurry Leaves
Along with a host of veggies, chili powder gives this cheesy recipe an extra kick. (via Kurry Leaves)
The Real Food Dietitians
For our lactose-intolerant friends, fear not! This dairy-free delight proves that you don't need milk to create a bowl of cheesy perfection. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Shutterbean
Another veggie that’s easy to disguise in mac and cheese? Cauliflower! When it’s baked, it has almost the same consistency as the noodles. (via Shutterbean)
Food52
Adding in chickpeas and onions gives this recipe some Mediterranean flair. You could also use couscous instead of elbow macaroni. (via Food52)
Lauren’s Latest
It wouldn’t be fall without the addition of pumpkin to every single recipe, ever! Luckily, this pumpkin mac and cheese is good enough to enjoy year-round. (via Lauren’s Latest)
Completely Delicious
Get your protein fix with this hearty variation. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy goodness make for a mac and cheese meal that's both comforting and substantial. (via Completely Delicious)
Averie Cooks
This speedy stovetop recipe proves that luxury can be served in under 20 minutes — because there's no time to wait when mac and cheese is on the menu! (via Averie Cooks)
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This article has been updated.
