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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

15 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese is the ultimate holiday comfort food. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with four types of cheese, it’s baked until golden and bubbly for a rich, decadent finish. Velveeta adds that nostalgic melty texture, while a paprika-spiced cream base ties all the flavors together. Perfect as a side dish or star of the table—this mac & cheese is anything but basic.

Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese
Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese
Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese
Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Thanksgiving Mac & Cheese

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

bowls
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
2
|
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3
|
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4
|
Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
5
|
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and make the sauce creamy.
6
|
Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish and top with more shredded cheese.
7
|
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8
|
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
    Grate your own cheese block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly and prevents anti-caking agent interference.
  • Pasta Water Power 💧
    Always reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it's crucial for creating a silky, emulsified cheese sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
  • Layering Cheese Technique 🔪
    Alternate between Velveeta and sharper cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan to create complex layers of creamy and tangy flavor profiles.
  • Baking Crisp Perfection 🔥
    For a golden, crispy top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Spice Balance Trick 🌶️
    Toast your garlic powder and onion powder in butter for 30 seconds before adding to the sauce to unlock deeper, more concentrated flavor notes.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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