The secret to stress-free thanksgiving: can you prep mac and cheese early?
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and tradition. But with so much to do on the big day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why many people wonder if they can make certain dishes ahead of time, such as mac and cheese.
In this blog post, we’ll answer the question “Can you make mac and cheese the day before Thanksgiving?”, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to making it the night before, storing it properly, and reheating it on Thanksgiving Day.
Why Make Mac and Cheese the Day Before Thanksgiving?
There are several benefits to making mac and cheese the day before Thanksgiving:
- Saves time: Thanksgiving Day is busy enough without having to cook a complex dish like mac and cheese. By making it ahead of time, you can free up your time on the big day.
- Reduces stress: Knowing that one less dish needs to be cooked on Thanksgiving Day can help reduce stress levels.
- Improves flavor: Mac and cheese actually tastes better when it’s made ahead of time, as the flavors have had time to meld.
How to Make Mac and Cheese the Day Before Thanksgiving
Follow these steps to make mac and cheese the day before Thanksgiving:
1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
3. Add the cheese: Gradually add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
5. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Cover and refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
How to Store Mac and Cheese Overnight
Once you’ve made the mac and cheese, it’s important to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Cool completely: Before refrigerating, let the mac and cheese cool completely to room temperature. This will help prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the dish.
2. Cover tightly: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from getting in.
3. Refrigerate: Place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat Mac and Cheese on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving Day, you can reheat the mac and cheese in the oven or microwave. Here are the steps for each method:
Oven:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the mac and cheese from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave:
1. Remove the mac and cheese from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the mac and cheese every minute to prevent it from burning.
Tips for Making the Best Mac and Cheese the Day Before Thanksgiving
Here are a few tips to help you make the best mac and cheese the day before Thanksgiving:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a mild cheddar cheese for a more subtle flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy when reheated.
- Make the cheese sauce ahead of time: The cheese sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the mac and cheese the night before: Once you’ve made the macaroni and cheese sauce, you can assemble the mac and cheese the night before Thanksgiving. Just follow the steps outlined above.
Variations on Mac and Cheese
There are many ways to customize mac and cheese to your liking. Here are a few popular variations:
- Add cooked vegetables: Add cooked vegetables to the mac and cheese, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.
- Add cooked meat: Add cooked meat to the mac and cheese, such as ground beef, sausage, or chicken.
- Use different types of cheese: Use a combination of different types of cheese to create a unique flavor. For example, you could use a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheese.
- Add breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before baking for a crispy topping.
Alternatives to Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a different side dish to serve on Thanksgiving Day, here are a few alternatives to mac and cheese:
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sweet potato casserole: Sweet potato casserole is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Green bean casserole: Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is easy to make and always a hit.
- Stuffing: Stuffing is a hearty and flavorful side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I make mac and cheese with different types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like in mac and cheese. Some popular choices include elbow macaroni, penne, and shells.
Q: How can I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?
A: To prevent the mac and cheese from drying out, add a little bit of milk or cream to the cheese sauce. You can also cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before baking.
Q: Can I freeze mac and cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese. Simply transfer the mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the mac and cheese overnight in the refrigerator and then bake or microwave until heated through.
