24 Mac and cheese recipes perfect for thanksgiving

Thanksgiving calls for something cheesy, rich, and baked to perfection. These 24 mac and cheese recipes bring wholesome flavor, golden tops, and a cozy bite. Start making these crowd-pleasers that always disappear fast!

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and parsley in a rectangular dish, with a portion being served. — Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Everyone deserves something warm and cheesy on the table. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese keeps all the creamy comfort without the extra fuss. Guests with dietary needs won’t feel like they’re missing anything.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Not every dish needs cheese to feel like comfort food. Dairy Free Mac and Cheese holds up with rich texture and flavor that fits right in. No one misses what’s not there.
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The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Fast doesn’t mean basic when the flavor holds up. The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese delivers that smooth, thick texture people expect from the real thing. Handy when you need one less pan on the stove.
Get the Recipe: The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to wait until tomorrow. Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese turns them into a warm and filling side right away. Blends right into the feast without feeling like a repeat.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

A little heat cuts through the rich holiday spread in a good way. Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese brings smoky spice and creamy texture in one quick dish. Guests who like bold flavor will be glad it’s there.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

Loaded Mac and Cheese

Hearty add-ins make this one feel more like a full dish than just a side. With bacon, extras, and plenty of bold flavor, Loaded Mac and Cheese stands up well next to turkey or stuffing. Always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Mac and Cheese

A plate of macaroni with sun-dried tomatoes and a melted cheese topping, garnished with basil, on a woven placemat. — Tuscan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Herbs and garlic take this one in a new direction without straying too far. Tuscan Mac and Cheese adds a fresh twist while still bringing the same creamy base. Great for balancing out the table.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan. — Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Smoky notes and a crisp top give this one a little more edge. Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese brings something richer to the holiday spread without going overboard. Adds variety without taking the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

A subtle sweetness works well with rich and creamy dishes. Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese fits right in with fall flavors without feeling too heavy. A natural match for roasted mains and holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

Sharp cheese and crispy bits make each bite stand out. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta adds depth and crunch that pair well with just about everything on the plate. Hard to stop at one spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with a fork, set on a marble surface next to a black and white checkered cloth. — Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Less oven space means one less thing to juggle. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese stays creamy and warm without needing extra attention. Perfect for crowded kitchens and long dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Sharp cheeses give this version a little more depth. Grown Up Mac and Cheese fits well with the rest of the meal without trying too hard. Best for guests who like something less rich but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Big meals are easier when something can simmer quietly in the background. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese stays warm and creamy without fighting for oven space. A smart move for busy holiday kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley. — Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Extra protein gives this version more bite and balance. Sausage Mac and Cheese works well next to turkey, ham, or anything off the carving board. Guests who want something hearty will be happy it’s there.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Hamburger Mac N Cheese

Meat and pasta together make this more than just another side. Hamburger Mac N Cheese is hearty, simple, and easy to scoop onto any plate. Works especially well if you're feeding a big group.
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The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Bold flavors can bring life to a traditional table. The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese adds just enough spice and texture to break up the usual sides. A solid pick for guests who like something a little different.
Get the Recipe: The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy, warm sides always make their way back around. With minimal effort and maximum comfort, Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is ready when the rest of the table is. Nothing feels out of place with it nearby.
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Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Tangy, bold flavor brings something unexpected to the table. Kimchi Mac and Cheese adds crunch and depth that plays well with everything from turkey to stuffing. Not traditional, but definitely memorable.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy dishes don’t have to be mild. With just enough heat to balance the richness, Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese brings contrast to a heavy meal. Great for anyone who wants something sharper on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Slight tang from the yogurt gives this one a lighter feel. Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese cuts through heavier dishes without losing comfort. Great pick if you're mixing up old and new traditions.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

A plate of cheesy pasta with ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and a dollop of sour cream. — Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Spices and cheese are always welcome at the table. Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese keeps things warm and flavorful while everything else is getting plated. Big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon. — Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

When time is short and the kitchen is full, quick options help keep things moving. Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese comes together fast and still tastes like it belongs. One less thing to stress over.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

A little crunch and a little heat go a long way when paired with cheese. Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese hits those rich, bold notes without taking over the plate. Makes a strong case for being the most talked-about side.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Nothing wrong with sticking to a classic. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese hits the mark with every bite and brings comfort in the most familiar way. Always a safe bet for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese