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Close-up of a spoon lifting creamy, baked macaroni and cheese with a golden-brown crispy topping and a delicious cheese pull, perfect for a Christmas mac and cheese recipe.

The Ultimate Christmas Mac and Cheese Recipe for a Festive Feast

Creamy, indulgent, and topped with a crispy golden crust, this Christmas mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed holiday crowd-pleaser. Made with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, it’s festive comfort food at its finest.
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Course: Main, Side Dish
Cuisine: Christmas, Comfort Food, Holiday
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Equipment

  • 3–4 quart baking dish For baking the mac and cheese.
  • Large pot To cook the pasta.
  • Dutch oven or deep saucepan To make the cheese sauce.
  • Whisk and spatula For stirring and folding.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements.

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3–4 quart baking dish and set aside.
  2. Mix shredded cheddar and Gruyere in a bowl. Reserve half for topping.
  3. Cook macaroni 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook 1 minute until light golden.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until bubbly and thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Remove from heat. Add half of the cheese mix, stir until melted. Add remaining cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.
  7. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  8. Layer half the mac and cheese in baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved cheese. Top with remaining mac and cheese.
  9. In a bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Mix well.
  10. Sprinkle topping over mac and cheese evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  11. Let rest a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your Christmas mac and cheese!

Notes

Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Just bake with 10–15 extra minutes. Customize with vegetables, herbs, or meat for a personal festive twist.