White Cheddar Cranberry Macaroni and Cheese

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

White Cheddar Cranberry Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8+ 1x

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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.