11 Cheesy Mac and Cheese Recipes for the Holidays (Because One Is Never Enough)
Let’s be real for a second—no holiday table is complete without mac and cheese.
You can have the turkey, the stuffing, the fancy salads nobody touches… but if the mac and cheese runs out? Chaos. Absolute chaos.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, feeding picky eaters, or just showing off your cheesy skills, these 11 Cheesy Mac and Cheese Recipes for the Holidays cover every vibe—from classic and cozy to bold and “wow, who made this?!”
Grab a mug of coffee, loosen your waistband (future you will thank me), and let’s talk cheese.
1. Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
This is the mac and cheese everyone secretly wants. No surprises, just pure comfort.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt & black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the pasta until just tender—don’t overdo it.
- Make a quick roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until smooth and dreamy.
- Combine with pasta, pour into a dish, and bake until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s reliable, nostalgic, and always the first dish emptied. IMO, this is the gold standard.
2. Three-Cheese Holiday Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
Because one cheese feels lazy during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Pasta shells
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Butter & milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta and drain.
- Melt butter, add milk, and stir in cheeses slowly.
- Mix with pasta and bake until lightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Each cheese brings something different—stretch, sharpness, and depth. Fancy, but still cozy.
3. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
It smells incredible before it even hits the table.
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Fresh garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream
- Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté garlic gently in butter.
- Add cream and parmesan, stirring constantly.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s rich without being heavy. Also, garlic lovers will hover near the pan—FYI.
4. White Cheddar and Herb Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
This one feels holiday-approved and slightly upscale.
Ingredients
- White cheddar
- Pasta
- Milk
- Butter
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Make a creamy sauce with butter, milk, and cheese.
- Stir in herbs and combine with pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
The herbs balance the richness perfectly. I once skipped them—big mistake.
5. Creamy Stove-Top Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
No oven. No stress. Still ridiculously good.
Ingredients
- Small pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta and leave a bit of water behind.
- Stir in butter, milk, and cheese directly in the pot.
- Mix until silky.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for last-minute holiday chaos. Who doesn’t need a backup plan?
6. Extra Gooey Cheese Pull Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
This one exists purely for dramatic cheese pulls.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Macaroni
- Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Melt cheeses slowly into warm milk.
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Kids love it. Adults love it. Phones come out for photos
7. Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
Cream cheese makes everything smoother. Always.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar
- Pasta
- Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt cream cheese with milk.
- Add cheddar and stir until smooth.
- Fold in pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
Ultra-creamy without needing fancy techniques. Low effort, high reward.
8. Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
Why It’s Awesome:
Texture matters, and this one delivers.
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare cheesy pasta.
- Top with buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake until crispy on top.
Why You’ll Love It
Soft inside, crunchy on top—best of both worlds.
9. Mild Spiced Holiday Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
Just enough warmth to keep things interesting.
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make cheese sauce with a pinch of spice.
- Stir into pasta.
- Bake or serve stove-top.
Why You’ll Love It
It adds personality without overwhelming anyone at the table.
10. Creamy Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
Yes, vegetables belong here—and they’re delicious.
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Cheddar
- Steamed broccoli or peas
- Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta and vegetables separately.
- Make cheese sauce.
- Combine everything gently.
Why You’ll Love It
Feels balanced but still comforting. Even veggie skeptics go back for seconds.
11. Ultra-Rich Holiday Celebration Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome:
This is the “special occasion” mac.
Ingredients
- Multiple cheeses
- Cream
- Butter
- Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Build a rich, slow-melted cheese sauce.
- Bake until bubbling and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
This one screams holidays. Serve it proudly.
Final Thoughts
These 11 Cheesy Mac and Cheese Recipes for the Holidays prove one thing: there’s no such thing as too much cheese when celebration food is involved.
Whether you go classic, creamy, baked, or bold, mac and cheese always brings people together.
So pick one (or three), preheat that oven, and get ready for compliments.
Trust me—someone will ask for the recipe.
