The Mac & Cheese Recipe People Won't Stop Asking Me For
The Mac & Cheese Recipe People Won't Stop Asking Me For is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Alissa Nguyen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 23 min
Cost: $18.45 total, $2.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 8 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (divided, melted)
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 3 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
- 12 oz Evaporated Milk (full‑fat can)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (plus for pasta water)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Mustard Powder
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated; 1/4 cup reserved for topping)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (for topping)
- 2 tablespoon Butter (for topping) (melted)
Instructions
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the cavatappi and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Prepare Cheeses
Shred the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature.
Time: PT10M
Make Roux
Melt 8 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ½ cup flour and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT3M
Add Milks and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, and 12 oz evaporated milk. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Time: PT7M
Incorporate Cream Cheese and Shredded Cheeses
Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted. Add the shredded cheeses a handful at a time, reserving about 2 cups for the topping, and stir until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Time: PT5M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and the panko topping evenly over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 375°F
Broil for Extra Crunch
Remove the dish, switch the oven to broil, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the topping is crisp and deep golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: broil
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 35g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cavatappi Pasta: Elbow macaroni, penne
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, ghee
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, half-and-half
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half-and-half (less rich)
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Whole milk (increase quantity)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Mustard Powder: Dry mustard
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese (lower fat)
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheddar
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Colby cheese
- Instead of Gruyère Cheese: Swiss cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Butter (for topping): Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Grater
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Oven
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Small Bowl (for topping)
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook pasta al dente (2 minutes less than package).
- Make a smooth roux without browning the flour.
- Season the cheese sauce thoroughly before adding cheese.
- Reserve cheese for the crunchy topping.
- Bake until bubbling and finish with a quick broil for extra crunch.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for depth, and add Gruyère for a nutty note.
- Grate Parmesan finely so it melts into the topping rather than staying gritty.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is lumpy after adding flour.
Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly before adding any liquid; if lumps form, use an immersion blender to smooth.
Mac and cheese is too watery after baking.
Make sure the roux is cooked long enough to thicken, and bake uncovered for the full 30 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Top is not crispy.
Broil for the full 3 minutes and ensure the panko is evenly coated with butter; you can toast the panko briefly in a dry skillet before mixing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; reheat covered, then uncover for the last 10 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 5, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Assemble the dish without baking, cover, and bake just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of mac and cheese in American Thanksgiving celebrations?
Mac and cheese has become a beloved comfort side for Thanksgiving in the United States, tracing its roots to early 20th‑century casseroles that offered a creamy, kid‑friendly alternative to traditional gravies. Over time, families added richer cheeses and baked toppings, making it a festive, indulgent dish that complements turkey and cranberry sauce.
What are traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in American cuisine?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a breadcrumb or crushed cracker topping and may feature smoked cheeses. In the Northeast, a béchamel‑based sauce with sharp cheddar is common. Some Midwestern versions add a layer of sliced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor.
How is Thanksgiving mac and cheese traditionally served in American holiday meals?
It is typically baked in a large casserole dish and served hot from the oven alongside turkey, stuffing, and vegetables. Many families present it as a family‑style side, allowing guests to scoop generous portions onto their plates.
What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Beyond Thanksgiving, mac and cheese is a staple at potlucks, family reunions, and comfort‑food gatherings. Its creamy, cheesy profile makes it a crowd‑pleaser for birthdays, game nights, and casual holiday brunches.
How does mac and cheese fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
Mac and cheese epitomizes American comfort food with its rich dairy base, simple pantry ingredients, and nostalgic appeal. It reflects the American love for hearty, oven‑baked casseroles that bring warmth and familiarity to the table.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Thanksgiving mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and Parmesan, plus a roux made with butter and flour, and a mix of whole milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. Substitutes can be milder cheeses, half‑and‑half for cream, or regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, though flavor and texture will vary.
What other American dishes pair well with Thanksgiving mac and cheese?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey‑glazed carrots, green bean almondine, cranberry sauce, and a simple mixed green salad. The richness of the mac balances the savory and sweet elements of a classic Thanksgiving spread.
What makes this Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe special or unique in American cuisine?
Alissa Nguyen’s version uses five cheeses—including Gruyère for a nutty depth—and a triple‑milk sauce (whole milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk) that creates an ultra‑creamy texture. The panko‑Parmesan topping adds a light, crunchy contrast not always found in traditional recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Thanksgiving mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy after baking; under‑cooking the roux, leading to a raw flour taste; and skipping the reserved cheese topping, which results in a flat surface. Also, be careful not to over‑bake, or the sauce can dry out.
How do I know when the Thanksgiving mac and cheese is done cooking?
The dish is done when the sauce is bubbling around the edges, the top is golden brown, and a quick broil gives the topping a crisp, deep‑golden crust. A gentle shake should show the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is coated.
Can I make Thanksgiving mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the cheese sauce and assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days.
What does the YouTube channel Alissa Nguyen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Alissa Nguyen specializes in approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, seasonal comfort dishes, and detailed technique tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern twists.
How does the YouTube channel Alissa Nguyen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Alissa Nguyen brings a global perspective to American comfort food by incorporating precise technique, multi‑cheese flavor layering, and thoughtful ingredient sourcing, whereas many other channels focus on simpler, single‑cheese versions. Her videos often include cultural context and step‑by‑step visual cues.
Last updated: November 15, 2026
