Go Back
–+ servings
Christmas Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy Christmas Baked Mac and Cheese for Festive Feasts

A deliciously creamy Christmas Baked Mac and Cheese that's perfect for festive feasts, catering to various dietary needs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with shells or cavatappi
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Can be replaced with olive oil for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Whole wheat flour is a substitute
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Adjust for thickness with almond or oat milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can swap with more milk or coconut cream
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack) Vegan cheese for dairy-free option
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg Cinnamon can be used instead
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika as milder alternative
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be used
  • 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast for vegan-friendly
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley Replace with dried herbs if necessary
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Fresh Thyme Replace with dried herbs if necessary
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Diced Ham Omit for vegetarian version
  • 1 cup Cooked Bacon Leave out for lighter option or vegetarian needs

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream, stirring until thick.
  4. Remove from heat, add shredded cheese mixture, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Fold in cooked macaroni and any add-ins.
  6. Combine breadcrumb mixture for topping and layer it over the mac and cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
  8. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best consistency. Feel free to adjust spice levels and try different add-ins for variety.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!