Creamy, rich, and packed with holiday flavor, this White Cheddar Cranberry Mac and Cheese is the ultimate side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and special family gatherings. Sharp white cheddar creates a velvety cheese sauce while sweet dried cranberries add a festive pop of flavor in every bite. Finished with fresh herbs, this holiday macaroni and cheese is both beautiful and delicious.
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional mac and cheese, this recipe deserves a spot on your holiday menu. It pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, prime rib, pork roast, and all your favorite seasonal side dishes.
More Holiday Side Dishes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This White Cheddar Cranberry Mac and Cheese
- Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners
- Rich, creamy homemade white cheddar cheese sauce
- Sweet dried cranberries add festive holiday flavor
- Easy to make ahead for entertaining
- Pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, and roast beef
- Crowd-pleasing side dish for holiday gatherings
What Makes This Holiday Mac and Cheese Special?
Traditional mac and cheese gets a festive upgrade with sharp white cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. The combination of creamy, savory cheese and sweet-tart cranberries creates the perfect balance of flavors that feels right at home on a holiday table.
Not only does it taste incredible, but the pops of ruby-red cranberries make this dish look stunning alongside all your holiday favorites.
Ingredients
- 1 package pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley
How to Make White Cheddar Cranberry Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Prepare the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, onion powder, dry mustard, pepper, and salt until smooth.
Slowly whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens into a creamy sauce, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the dried cranberries, thyme, and parsley. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately or transfer to a buttered baking dish and bake for an extra golden finish.
Optional Baked Version
For a baked holiday mac and cheese:
- Transfer prepared mac and cheese to a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This white cheddar cranberry mac and cheese is perfect for holiday entertaining.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead.
- Cover and refrigerate.
- Add a splash of milk before reheating if needed.
- Bake just before serving.
What to Serve with White Cheddar Cranberry Mac and Cheese
This holiday side dish pairs beautifully with:
Add classic holiday favorites like green beans, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
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White Cheddar Cranberry Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for the holidays, this White Cheddar Cranberry Mac and Cheese combines sharp white cheddar, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh herbs for a festive side dish that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or your favorite holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces medium pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups freshly shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
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Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour, onion powder, dry mustard, pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly whisk in milk and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- Fold in dried cranberries, thyme, and parsley.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a buttered baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes for a baked version.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- For extra holiday flavor, add ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Make up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Add a buttery breadcrumb topping for extra texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips for the Best White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Use sharp white cheddar for maximum flavor.
- Add cranberries at the end to keep their texture intact.
- Whole milk creates the creamiest sauce.
- Fresh herbs provide the best holiday flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Gruyere, fontina, gouda, or Monterey Jack work well with white cheddar.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to one day in advance and bake before serving.
Can I freeze white cheddar cranberry mac and cheese?
Yes. Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What do cranberries taste like in mac and cheese?
The dried cranberries add a subtle sweetness and tartness that balances the rich cheese sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a holiday side dish that’s a little different from the usual, this White Cheddar Cranberry Mac and Cheese is guaranteed to impress. Creamy white cheddar, sweet cranberries, and fresh herbs create a comforting dish that feels festive enough for Thanksgiving and Christmas while still being easy enough for a cozy family dinner.
One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a holiday tradition.
