Move over regular mac and cheese! This white cheddar cranberry macaroni and cheese deserves center stage on your holiday table!
Every year I try to come up with something a little different to put on the Thanksgiving table.
A spin on holiday favorites that people can look forward to the coming year.
This year I decided it would be the macaroni and cheese that would get a festive makeover and boy, it did not disappoint!
Sweet dried cranberries mixed into a creamy white cheddar sauce and sprinkled with herbs. Not only is this dish beautiful to see on the table, it’s flavors are everything we know and love about the holiday season!
I love using enameled cast iron pots during the holidays. They keep dishes like this warm until you’re ready to serve. They look great if you’re serving everything buffet style too.
This white cheddar cranberry macaroni and cheese goes together perfectly with turkey, prime rib, pork…the possibilities are really endless.
Here’s how to make it
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White Cheddar Cranberry Macaroni and Cheese
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8+ 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pot.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and dry seasonings until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted.
- Add to pasta
- Add dried cranberries, and fresh herbs; toss to coat.
Notes
*optional: add mac and cheese to buttered baking dish, top with breadcrumbs to finish in oven if preferred.
- Cuisine: Holiday
Creamy, sweet, salty, and earthy…this white cheddar macaroni and cheese is going to be a hit on our holiday table!
I’m such a sucker for great side dishes. This is one of many that we will enjoy year after year.
Some of my favorites also include Bacon Mushroom Green Beans, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Herbs, and Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms.
I can’t wait to get cooking!
Talk to you soon friends; take care!
XO
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