Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe Ideas

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Published 10/16/2025
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Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe Ideas
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
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If your crew could live on pasta and cheese, you’re not alone. That’s why these Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe ideas are always a win for the holidays. Creamy, cozy, and kid-approved, mac and cheese compliments the Thanksgiving table and slides right in next to turkey, stuffing and veggie sides.

And here’s the best part: you can make a lighter, low sodium mac and cheese that still tastes rich and special. Simple swaps like flavorful cheeses, herbs and a veggie-boosted sauce keep the comfort while trimming the salt for those family members following a heart healthy diet.

And on a hectic holiday, mac and cheese is a real sanity saver. You can prep a Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe the day before and just reheat it when it’s “go time.” Fewer dishes, happy kids, and one less thing to juggle while the turkey rests.

Why Mac and Cheese Works for Thanksgiving

Mac and cheese feels special but uses pantry basics—not to mention it’s great for big family gatherings. To make a crowd-pleasing, low sodium mac and cheese that’s gentler on hearts, lean on big flavors (roasted squash, garlic, mustard, smoked paprika) instead of extra salt, and choose lower-sodium ingredients when possible. And with smart swaps like whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, reduced-fat dairy, and lighter sauces, you can serve a lighter side dish without losing the creamy texture kids love.

How to Make Low Sodium Mac and Cheese

Follow these tips for making a low sodium mac and cheese recipe:

  • Cook pasta in unsalted water, then season the finished dish with herbs and spices to balance flavor.
  • Build creaminess with butternut squash or cauliflower purée so you can use less cheese and avoid heavy cream.
  • Pick cheeses with a big flavor like sharp cheddar or Parmesan.

The Best Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving

Warm, creamy and perfect for picky eaters, nothing beats a good mac and cheese side dish on the holiday table. Here are 6 ways to make a healthy mac and cheese for Thanksgiving:

  • Heart Healthy Mac and Cheese

    Healthy Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    75 mins

    This classic bake uses skim milk, non-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheddar plus part-skim mozzarella for rich flavor with a lighter touch. Multigrain elbows add hearty texture, and a quick crumb topping makes it feel holiday-ready. This is a simple, cozy pick for the Thanksgiving dinner table.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

    Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    Need hands-off help on a busy cooking day? This gluten-free, lower-fat version uses reduced fat cheeses and a creamy stovetop sauce that finishes in the crockpot—perfect for when there’s no room to add another dish to the oven. It’s an easy Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe to park on “warm” until dinner is served.

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  • Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Casserole

    Heart Healthy Mac and Cheese Casserole
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    75 mins

    All the comfort, baked to golden and bubbly. Gluten free macaroni, skim milk, and a light breadcrumb-cheese topping deliver a classic dish with gentler ingredients. It's a great option for a healthy Thanksgiving side dish when you’re feeding guests on a heart healthy, vegetarian or gluten free diet.

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  • Low Sodium Mac and Cheese with Butternut Squash

    Heart Healthy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    90 mins

    Butternut squash brings natural creaminess and sweetness to this recipe so you can use less cheese and salt while keeping it luxurious. This easy win for low sodium mac and cheese bakes up with a crispy panko bread crumb finish.

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  • Mac and Cheese Appetizer

    Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    Bake your mac and cheese in mini muffin cups for kid-friendly bites in a healthy portion size. The same lighter dairy base turns into a tidy, grab-and-go side that travels well to Grandma’s or can be passed around as an appetizer. Be prepared–these disappear fast!

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  • Gluten Free Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

    Heart Healthy Creamy Pasta with Broccoli
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    Brown-rice penne, almond milk and a silky butternut-squash sauce give you that creamy vibe while sneaking in veggies and fiber. Parmesan ties it together, and the broccoli adds bright color to the holiday table. This gluten free side dish is a perfect way to tie in the flavors of the season.

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Can I Make Mac and Cheese the Day Before Thanksgiving?

Yes, you absolutely can make mac and cheese ahead. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving Day, just pop the dish in the oven and bake according to the recipe directions. Refrigerated leftovers are generally good for 3–4 days. For slow cooker recipes, cook, chill, and then rewarm until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tradition Check: Is Mac and Cheese a Thanksgiving Food?

Short answer: absolutely. Surveys show Southerners in particular are more likely to serve mac and cheese with the holiday meal, but you’ll find it from coast to coast because it’s kid-approved and crowd-pleasing. If you’re building new family traditions, this comforting side dish is an easy place to start. 

Leftovers Idea: Turkey Mac and Cheese Bake

Looking to make leftover turkey into a delicious and comforting pasta? Then make this healthy turkey casserole dish. Lean turkey breast, gluten free pasta, broccoli, and a creamy stovetop sauce is complimented by a crunchy gluten free cornflake topping. It’s a smart day-after Thanksgiving meal that stretches leftovers into something new and delicious.

Heart Healthy Turkey Broccoli Casserole
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
45 mins
View Recipe

Cozy, Kid-Loved Side Dish That’s Holiday-Ready

Whether you go classic, bake a gluten free casserole, fill mini cups for little hands, or fold in squash for a lighter twist, these Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipes make planning easy. Use the slow cooker to save oven space, prep ahead for a calmer day, and turn leftovers into something brand new. With the tips and recipes above, you’ll have the best mac and cheese for Thanksgiving—creamy, family-friendly, and ready to share.

Here are more heart healthy Thanksgiving recipes to try:

Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

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